Xuanguang Temple — Attraction in Yuchi Township

Xuanguang Temple is dedicated to the revered monk Xuanzang (玄奘), who is the historical inspiration for the monk character in the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West, where he is accompanied by the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Wukong.

Xuanzang was a real Buddhist monk and scholar who lived during the Tang Dynasty (602–664 AD). In 629 AD, he embarked on a legendary journey to India to acquire Buddhist scriptures and deepen his knowledge of the original teachings of Buddhism. His pilgrimage took him across treacherous deserts, mountains, and foreign lands. After a journey of over 17 years, Xuanzang returned to China with hundreds of Sanskrit texts, which he dedicated the rest of his life to translating, greatly influencing the spread of Buddhism in East Asia.

Xuanzang’s dedication and achievements were later immortalized in Journey to the West, a Ming Dynasty novel, where he is guided and protected by disciples, including the powerful and rebellious Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Though the novel fictionalizes much of his journey, it draws from the adventurous spirit and purpose of Xuanzang's...

A small quaint temple at the top of a hill. To get here, theres a long-ish set of stairs up, directly leading to the temple and easy to navigate. Its a pretty easy climb up (took me around 10mins, 20mins for my old grandma). The stairs is also quite safe with railings around and not too steep.

The view up there is beautiful, overlooking the lake and the xuanguang wharf. There were many flowers, especially osmanthus bushes, along the walk up to the temple as well as the pavilions on top. Gives the place a very calming and fragrant...

A must visit historical place when you come to the lake. Full of tourist, via boats, and it was so damn crowded, during holiday season. Not that friendly for small bady kids with strollers, as have to climb the stair case all the way up to the hill temple. You may enter the temple for praying wishes as usual. We were rested seating outsite eating the tea leaf egg bought at down hill. Toilet was a nightmare as not hygine. Returning the boat ferry was long queue too, so...