One Day to Experience the Famen Temple Buddhist Culture & Xian's Nightlife

Originally built about 1700 years ago, Famen Temple, which houses the finger bone of Sakyamuni Buddha, is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in China. If you are interested in Buddhist culture and planning a day trip to somewhere outside Xi'an, Famen Temple is an ideal choice. It is located in Fufeng County, Baoji City, about 120 km (74.6 miles) away from Xi'an.

We suggest you set out early today. You can take Metro Line 1 and get off at Hanchenglu Station. Metro Line 1 runs east-west through the heart area of the city. It could be convenient to find it if your hotel is in the downtown area. Beidajie and Wuloukou are popular transfer stations of Line 1. Leaving the metro from Exit D of Hanchenglu Station, you will find the West Xi'an Bus Station. There are direct buses run to Famen Temple from this bus station. It is recommended that you take the earliest bus leaving at 09:00. The ticket fare is CNY 37.5 per person for one way and CNY60 for a round trip. The bus journey from Xi'an to Famen Temple takes around 2 hours. If you start from the heart area of Xi'an, the whole journey, including the metro and bus ride, as well as the time you transfer between stations, might take about 4 hours.

The present site covers a total area of around 66,660 square meters (about 16.5 acres) and consists of 24 courtyards and a subterranean palace housing numerous treasures and relics. It is really big, so you need to get ready to some walk with a pair of comfortable shoes. The old Famen Temple Pagoda complex and Famen Temple Museum are focuses of most visitors. Besides, it is worth noting that the finger bone relic is only on display every weekend, public holidays and the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month, from 10:00 to 16:00. Normally it takes about 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. Catch the bus leaving Famen Temple at 15:30 back to West Xi'an Bus Station. Or you may take the tourist special bus back to the Tang Paradise. This bus starts to sale return ticket from 14:30 and it leaves as soon as the seats are fully occupied. Remember that the bus stop is at the parking lot near to the old pagoda complex.