Tucked away in a little alley in the center of Xi'an, this place doesn't get a lot of notoriety, but even if that is a bit unfair to the temple itself, it's probably better that way. Located very close to the drum and bell towers in the center of town, you wouldn't know you're in the center of a city of 12 million people while inside it. The architecture is beautiful, the layout is peaceful and relaxing, and unlike many tourist attractions in China, while inside you don't feel as though you're having anything artificial shoved down your throat. And in terms of crowds, it was nearly devoid of people in the middle of the day during a peak travel week in mid-August, which came as a shock to me. I'm not going to pretend that the temple or the buildings in it are original, and in some places they actually admit to such, but although the buildings are new and the location is different from the original location, this place is still absolutely worth a visit.There are a bunch of souvenir hawkers on the road leading up to the temple, but they are relatively docile and relaxed as far as tourist attractions in China go, and can be easily ignored. And the temple itself is free. Highly recommend seeing this if you're in the area of the Muslim Quarter, or the Bell...
Read moreThe Xi'an City God Temple, located in the heart of the city, is a historic Taoist temple with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It is dedicated to the City God, a deity believed to protect the city and its residents. The temple features intricate architectural details, vibrant decorations, and a serene atmosphere, making it a significant cultural and religious site. Visitors can explore its halls, admire the craftsmanship, and participate in traditional ceremonies, experiencing a rich blend of history, spirituality, and...
Read moreHaving lived in Asia for two years I must say that this is one of the best Ive seen. There are unfortunately a lot of vendors selling things outside the temple, but they aren't aggressive and aren't inside the temple.
The open-air temple itself has beautiful architecture and is full of color, especially during a sunny day. Lots of lanterns and kites as well.
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