Attractions · Xinzhou

The temple with the most incense smoke on Wutai Shan, dedicated to the Dragon King Bodhisattva “Wuye”; the early-morning queue to offer incense is the liveliest scene in Taihuai. Highlights include the Wanfo Pavilion, the Wuye statue, early-morning incense offerings and the centre of Taihuai. Tip: The crowds are largest at 5–6 in the morning; if you want to look at the architecture in peace, go in the evening; loud noise is not allowed in the temple. Practical info: located at Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi; ticket included in the Wutai Shan entrance fee (small temple tickets extra); opening hours 06:00–18:00. Best season: June–September is the most comfortable, with cool summers on Wutai Shan; winters are cold with snow and ice on the peaks and require professional equipment. It can be combined with Tayuan Temple, Xiantong Temple and Pusading in Xinzhou for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy.

• Address: Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi
• Ticket: Included in the Wutai Shan entrance fee (small temple tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:00–18:00

Home of the Great White Pagoda, the landmark of Taihuai; the pagoda is about 75 metres tall and is the symbol of Wutai Shan, and circling it is an important Tibetan Buddhist custom. Highlights include the sutra library. Tip: Circle the pagoda clockwise, never anticlockwise; the pagoda courtyard is next to Xiantong Temple, so the two can be seen together. Practical info: located at Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi; ticket included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra); opening hours 06:30–18:00. Best season: June–September is the most comfortable, with cool summers on Wutai Shan; winters are cold with snow and ice on the peaks and require professional equipment. It can be combined with Wuye Temple, Xiantong Temple and Pusading in Xinzhou for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi
• Ticket: Included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:30–18:00

One of the oldest temples on Wutai Shan, founded in the Eastern Han; the bronze hall, Wuliang Hall and Thousand-Bowl Manjushri are the highlights. Highlights include the axis of the ancient temple. Tip: The bronze hall is very bright in sunlight, so morning is good for photographs; flash is not allowed inside the halls. Practical info: located at Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi; ticket included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra); opening hours 06:30–18:00. Best season: June–September is the most comfortable, with cool summers on Wutai Shan; winters are cold with snow and ice on the peaks and require professional equipment. It can be combined with Wuye Temple, Tayuan Temple and Pusading in Xinzhou for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking. Confirm the day's opening and booking policy before departure so a last-minute closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi
• Ticket: Included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:30–18:00

The leading Gelug (Tibetan Buddhist) temple on Wutai Shan and a Qing imperial monastery, its 108 stone steps and glazed tile roofs stand out high in Taihuai. Highlights include the imperial steles and the view over Taihuai. Tip: Come up from the hill behind Xiantong Temple; the 108 steps are fairly steep, and in the evening you can look down over Taihuai Town. Practical info: located at Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi; ticket included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra); opening hours 06:30–18:00. Best season: June–September is the most comfortable, with cool summers on Wutai Shan; winters are cold with snow and ice on the peaks and require professional equipment. It can be combined with Wuye Temple, Tayuan Temple and Xiantong Temple in Xinzhou for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi
• Ticket: Included in the entrance fee (small tickets extra)
• Opening: 06:30–18:00