Plan at a glance
A separate historic site in Zhangzi County
Faxing Temple Scenic Area is in Cuiyun Mountain, Cilin Town, Zhangzi County. Allow about 1–1.5 hours, focusing on two Tang-dynasty stone pagodas and the Song-dynasty sculptures in Yuanjue Hall. The entrance is at the foot of the mountain; after parking, follow the central route through the temple. The larch and birch woods and the wooden trail outside the temple can be added as a separate nature walk.
Confirm opening and admission
The stated hours are 09:00–17:00, with no advance reservation required and tickets bought on site. Admission is listed inconsistently as either RMB 15 or free, so confirm the current charge before you go. Also confirm which halls are open and the parking charge; Faxing Temple and Chongqing Temple have separate ticket arrangements.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Tang Dynasty Stone Sarira Pagoda
The Tang Dynasty Stone Sarira Pagoda has a form between a pagoda and a hall, and is one of the three main highlights of the site. Start outside the pagoda by looking at its proportions, stonework, and relationship to the surrounding courtyard. Keep a safe distance and do not touch the structure.
Tang Dynasty Lantern Pagoda
The Tang Dynasty Lantern Pagoda is a stone pagoda from the Tang dynasty and is protected by a glass cover. View it from outside; do not touch either the cover or the pagoda. If staff set a closer viewing boundary, follow their directions.
Yuanjue Hall and the Twelve Yuanjue Figures
The Song-dynasty Twelve Yuanjue figures in Yuanjue Hall are Faxing Temple’s most important indoor highlight. Take time to observe their seated poses, expressions, and robes. The hall is dimly lit. Do not touch the sculptures or use flash; other photography rules depend on the notices inside the hall.
The relocation background
The original Faxing Temple stood in an area above a mined-out coal seam and was moved as a whole to Cuiyun Mountain in 1996. The temple buildings and sculptures you see today are from the relocated site.
Build your day
Central route: the highlights without backtracking
Enter through the mountain gate, first see the Tang Dynasty Stone Sarira Pagoda, then the Tang Dynasty Lantern Pagoda, followed by the Song-dynasty Twelve Yuanjue figures in Yuanjue Hall, and finish at Pilu Hall. The route does not require backtracking and takes about 1–1.5 hours inside the temple. If a hall is temporarily closed, adjust the order to the areas open that day.
Add a Cuiyun Mountain walk
After the temple, add a short walk among the larches, birches, and wooden trails on Cuiyun Mountain. This walk is separate from the temple’s core historic-site route, so decide whether to include it according to the weather and your energy. Do not enter closed areas while taking photos.
Visit with Chongqing Temple on the same day
Faxing Temple is about 7.5 km from Chongqing Temple, about a 10–15-minute drive, so the two can be arranged on the same day in Zhangzi County. They have separate tickets, parking, and temple entrances; follow the photography and entry instructions posted at each site.
Get there
Drive to the foot of Cuiyun Mountain
Driving from Changzhi takes about 1 hour. Navigate to “法兴寺” or “翠云山发兴寺景区” (Faxing Temple / Cuiyun Mountain Faxing Temple Scenic Area), then park at the foot of the mountain; parking is around RMB 5–10. The entrance is near the foothill Visitor Centre, and after parking, walk into the temple according to the on-site signs.
Public transport
From Changzhi, take Bus 11 to the “Cilinshan Coal Mine” stop, then walk about 1 km. The full trip takes about 1.5 hours, and services are infrequent. Confirm the return in advance; there is no stable direct shuttle from the bus stop to the temple, so arrange a vehicle for the way back rather than relying on a last-minute taxi.
Know before you go
Admission and photography rules
Confirm the admission charge before you go; it is currently listed as either RMB 15 or free. For photography, do not touch the sculptures or use flash; other photography rules depend on the notices inside the halls that day.
Steps, light, and visiting pace
The temple follows the slope of the mountain, and Yuanjue Hall is dimly lit. Walk slowly inside the halls and keep your distance from the sculptures. Plan about 1–1.5 hours for the core temple visit, and add the Cuiyun Mountain trail only if it is open and conditions are suitable.
Food and nearby plans
The farmhouse beside the temple’s main gate serves flower-shaped steamed buns. In Zhangzi County, you can also look for Zhangzi stir-fried flatbread or pig’s-head meat. Opening hours and menu prices are not consistent; if you are visiting Chongqing Temple on the same day, confirm both closing times before choosing a meal in the county town or near the scenic area.