Ba Xian An Temple
» Xi'an, Shaan Xi

八仙庵 西安最大最著名的道教观院

Temple of Eight Immortals

Ba Xian An Temple was named to commemorate "the Eight Immortals in Legend," whose statues are the largest in the temple. Ba Xian An Temple (Temple of the Eight Immortals), as its name indicates, is mainly dedicated to the legendary Eight Immortals Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Tieguai Li, Cao Guojiu, Lv Dongbin, Lan Caihe and He Xiangu. It is said that there are eight immortals that always do good deed for human beings and they are therefore much respected by people.

Another name - Ba Xian An Palace

Ba Xian An Temple is also called Ba Xian An Palace because when the Eight-Power Allied Forces invaded Beijing in 1900, Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi escaped to Xi'an and lived in Ba Xian An Temple. Therefore, Empress Dowager Cixi donated taels of silver later to fund the renovation of the temple and gave it the name Ba Xian An Palace.

What to explore

Three parts

The Ba Xian An Temple now covers an area of over 73,000 square meters, and it can be divided into three parts from the Temple Gate to the Back Hall, not counting Mountain Gate, Archway, Screen Wall, the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

  • The first section includes five halls, dedicating to the protective god of Taoism-Wang Lingguan.
  • The second section has two halls, and the color-painted statues of the Eight Immortals are worshiped in the back hall.
  • The third section is the Main Hall with a tablet hanging on its lintel. The four characters "Dong Tian Yun Ji" was inscribed on the tablet by Empress Dowager Cixi.

Inside the hall, sacrifices were made to Dou Mu Yuan Jun (a high ranked god in Taoism) and other gods. Its annexes contain Lvzu (Lv Dongbin) Hall and Yaowang (King of Chinese medicine) Hall on the east and accommodations for Taoists on the west.

Inside the temple

Inside the temple, monks, their hair tie up in traditional Taoist fashion, play chess and are always keen for a chat. As you look at the temple murals, note the influence of Confucianism on its supposed alter-ego, Daoism: The eight immortals have a strict hierarchy, with Lu Dongbin in front on his tiger, the rotund Tieguai Li waddling along with his crook to his side, and the one woman, He Xiangu, near the back, carrying a lotus flower.

Outside the temple

Besides visiting the temple and burning incenses to pray for felicity, you should also look around the street outside the temple.

The street

The street outside the temple has become a commercial venture where one can find many religious curios, which are very popular among visitors. It's really a short street at a length of only 100 meters (110 yards). While walking in the street, you will find the street to be filled with curio shops offering items such as Kwan-yin statues and baubles, small and large. In the street you should not miss the small booths on the ground. You may often find many precious and valuable items there.

The two-storey shops

Outside the temple, there are two-storey ancient buildings all along both sides of the whole street. When you enter any shop, you may find that all kinds of curios are on display. The decorations in the rooms are simple. Many old copper mirrors, folding screens, books, four treasures of the study (writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink stone), copper swords, ancient falchion, gallipots, china, vases, jade small baubles and folding fans are sold here, most of which were commodities of the common people in olden times.

The annual temple fair

Ba Xian An Temple is a popular and important spot for Taoist celebrations in Shaanxi Province. On the 14th, 15th and 16th day of the fourth lunar month, the annual temple fair will be held. Ceremonious religious activities on the Double Nine Festival (9th day of the 9th lunar month) also attract a lot of adherents and tourists from near and far.

When to visit

  • Opening Hours: 9:00a.m. - 17:30p.m.

Attractions around » Xi'an, Shaan Xi

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Day Entertainment & Sports

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

  Weather

  1. Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?
  2. What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

  Food

  1. What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?
  2. What is Xi'an local delicacy?

  Shopping

  1. Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?
  2. Where can I buy chinese medicine?
  3. Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?
  4. What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

  Travel

  1. What taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?
  2. What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?
  3. Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?
  4. What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

  Customs

  1. Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?
  2. Why does Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?
  3. How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

  Other Hints

  1. What is Xi'an time?
  2. What to pack for Xi'an tours?
  3. Where is the post office in Xi'an?
  4. Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?
  5. What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?
  6. What is emergency number in Xi'an?

  • Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is in a warm temperate zone, and has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons; Xi'an is hot and wet in summer, dry and seldom snowy in winter and is prone to extended spells of rain in spring and autumn.

    The temperature during spring (March to May) increases rapidly, but is prone to fluctuation. The average temperature in March is 7.9 centigrade, rising to 14.1 centigrade in April and 19.4 centigrade in May.

    Summer in Xi'an (June to August) becomes both hot and humid, with the highest average temperature being 32 centigrade and the maximum temperature of ten above 40 centigrade.

    Xi'an also experiences a fair amount of precipitation during autumn, (September to November). The early autumn period is cool and can be overcast, late autumn is usually fine.

    Winter (December to February) is dry and cold with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0 Centigrade.


  • What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

    Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons during the year for Xi'an tour. With the pleasant temperature, gentle breezes and warm sunshine, spring is a good time of year for outdoor activities and traveling. Late autume is also worth to visit here.


  • What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?

    As the capital of table delicacies, Xi'an is famous for the delicious Shaanxi snacks, the delicate Guangdong cuisine, in a sweet and mild flavor. Various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and the popular Sichuan cuisine, such as hot pot, in a spicy flavor.


  • What is Xi'an local delicacy?

    When you are travelling in Xi'an, one delicacy you will surely to find on the menu is the dumpling.

    Xi'an, an ancient city that has been the nation's capital during no less than eleven dynasties spanning more than a thousand years is regarded as the home if not the birthplace of the great dumpling tradition.

    It was here that the art of creating the most tasty and delicate of dumplings was refined and no visit to the city is complete unless you partake of a dumpling dinner.


  • Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?

    No, most attractions are not allowed to pay credit card, for your convinence, it is much better to bring some cash money along the trip. most 4 star hotels or 5 star hotels provide a good service to exchange into RMB at front desk.


  • Where can I buy chinese medicine?

    You can also find the traditional chineses medicine market in Xi'an, which embody the local culture of chinese medical treatment.

    In Chinese medicine, the links between body, mind and spirit have always been recognized and indeed lie at the heart of the system. There is a saying like western medicine cure the external causes but Chinese Medicine cures the internal causes.


  • Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?

    Department stores

    Minsheng Department Store, at No. 103, Jiefang Lu
    Parkson Shopping Center is popular in Xian and now there are three Parkson:

    1. Xi'an Luck Parkson: 119, Dong Dajie (Opposite the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
    2. Xi'an Shidai Parkson: Shidai Shengdian Plaza, Xi Dajie
    3. Xi'an Chang'an Parkson: 38, Chang'an Zhong Lu

    Supermarkets

    1. South Gate Branch (Downtown) is situated in Fen Xiang, Nan Dajie.
      Bus: No. 600, 603
    2. Chang'an Lu Branch (South Suburb) is located at the northeast corner of the crossing of Shida Lu and Chang'an Lu.
      Bus: No.19, 44, 101, 215, 239, 408, 600, 603
    3. Jin Hua Lu Branch (East Suburb) is situated near the crossing of Changle Lu and Jinhua Lu.
      Bus: No. 4, 10, 11, 13, 27, 43, 105, 209, 303, 402, 604, 605
    4. Lian Hu Branch (West Suburb) is located at the southwest of the crossing of Daqing Lu and Taoyuan Lu.
      Bus: No.2, 12, 45, 103, 104, 207, 210, 222, 223, 224, 301, 303, 605, 803
    5. North Suburb Branch is located along the Bei Erhuan Lu (Northern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No. 18, 17, 238, 228, 236, 609, 600
    6. Nan Erhuan Branch is situated along the Nan Erhuan Lu (Southern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No.24, 46, 308, 311, 608


  • What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items.

    Some excellent offerings specific to Xi'an include: Chinese calligraphy rubbings, Tang pottery replicas, Terracotta Warrior replicas, Folk paintings, Folk paper cuttings and Green porcelain.


  • what taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a multiethnic regin, of which the population of Islam is approximately one half, it is a taboo to eat pork and the flesh of animals which died of natrual course, in order not to trouble yourselves, you'd better not to eat anything made of pork and talk about pig in any muslim restaurant.


  • What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?

    Famed as the most precipitous of the five moutains in China, Mt.Huashan is a hardship jouney for xi'an tour. You might prepare a long gown and a pair of jogging shoes in case of raining and dropping of.


  • Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?

    Muslim quarter is a shopping center where many muslime friends gathered there. This area is paved with dark colored stone with green trees providing heavy shade during summer. There are many restaurants and stores on the street. The owners are all Moslems.

    Moslem Street has a long history. It is said that in olden days, foreign diplomatic envoys and merchants lived here then they married and had children, so gradually the population increased.

    Today, most of the inhabitants of Moslem Street are the descendants of those immigrants.


  • What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

    Most toilet facilities in emporiums, shopping centers, supermarkets, stations and scenic spots are free. The other will charge no more than 0.5 Yuan.


  • Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?

    Shadow Puppets was shaped in an art form of famouse traditional folk custome.The Chinese shadow puppets have existed in China for over a thousand years.

    The Shadow Play is hold in an old house of the Qing Dynasty. The show is about 15 minutes long and performed in a very small room. you can go Gao'a family where near to Drum Tower to see the show, the performance costs about 40 yuan for each one.


  • Why does the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian.

    The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all.

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.


  • How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

    There is no special dress requirement for this show, but some travelers like to dress up.

    If you have time to change your clothes after the day's tour, we suggest that you dress as you would for any formal occasion, like the Opera in Beijing, and the welcome and farewell dinners during the Yangtze Cruise.

    Jackets and ties for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.


  • What is Xi'an time?

    Equal to Beijing, Xi'an is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.


  • What to pack for Xi'an tours?

    Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are especially helpful if you are going to visit Xi'an.


  • Where is the post office in Xi'an?

    1. City Center: Bell Tower Post Office, Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square
    2. South Suburb: Xiao Zhai Branch, No.3 Xiao Zhai Xi Lu
    3. North Suburb: Bei Guan Branch, No.18 Bei Guan Zheng Jie

    Opening Hours 8:30-18:00


  • Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?

    Yes, it is. tourists can easily find internet bars near colleges or universities, usually it costs you 1 - 2 Yuan per hour, but those with better facilities and faster connection speeds may cost more.


  • What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?

    Zip code Inquiry: 184
    Taxi Complain: 88624509
    Consumption Complain: 12315
    Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    Public Buses Complain: 16801315
    China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
    China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
    China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000


  • What is emergency number in Xi'an?

    Fire: 119
    Traffic: 122
    Ambulance: 120
    Police: 110


As a famous Taoist architecture in Northwest China and also the biggest Taoist temple in Xi'an City, Ba Xian An Temple was named to commemorate "the Eight Immortals in Legend," whose statues are the largest in the temple.



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