City God Temple, Xian
In many Chinese cities, there is a template dedicated the city god. The City God Temple in Xian is one of the largest city god temples in China. Located on West Avenue, just a short walk away from the Drum Tower, it is one of the only two remaining Taoist temples inside the walled old city.
The current temple was built in 1432 during the Ming Dynasty. Over time additional buildings were added to provide ancillary functions. Today the City God Temple complex includes an archway, the Pavilion of the God of Literature, the Gate of Etiquette, the Hall of Birth Year, the Hall of Fire God, and a number of other buildings.
The temple was damaged during World War II and again during the Cultural Revolution in 1960s. But it has since been beautifully restored. The temple is free to enter and you are free to wander around, but please be respectful to the worshipers there since it is an active temple.
The current temple was built in 1432 during the Ming Dynasty. Over time additional buildings were added to provide ancillary functions. Today the City God Temple complex includes an archway, the Pavilion of the God of Literature, the Gate of Etiquette, the Hall of Birth Year, the Hall of Fire God, and a number of other buildings.
The temple was damaged during World War II and again during the Cultural Revolution in 1960s. But it has since been beautifully restored. The temple is free to enter and you are free to wander around, but please be respectful to the worshipers there since it is an active temple.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Xian. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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City God Temple on Map
Sight Name: City God Temple
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Xian, China
Create Your Own Walk in Xian
Creating your own self-guided walk in Xian is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Xian Introduction Walking Tour
Xian became a cultural and political center of China in the 11th century BC and was the capital city of eleven imperial Chinese dynasties.
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Historical Religious Sites
A melting pot of different cultures and faiths, Xian, once the start of the historical Silk Road, for centuries had seen traders from far and wide come to do business. Many a foreigner eventually settled in Xian, bringing along their cuisine, customs, and religious practices. Hence the number of pagodas, Buddhist and Taoist temples, as well as mosques found in the city, some of which trace back... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Shopping Streets Tour
Back in the day, Xian was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Foreign traders used to come here to procure local merchandise such as tea, silk, and porcelain that were in high demand internationally throughout centuries.
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles