Great Buddha Temple in Xinchang
The Great Buddha Temple and Park (大佛寺) in Xinchang is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist complexes in Zhejiang Province. It is famous for its 16‑meter stone statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, carved during the Southern Liang dynasty (6th century) and known as the "First Great Buddha South of the Yangtze". The complex is harmoniously integrated into a scenic mountain landscape, offering visitors not only a spiritual but also an aesthetic journey. This tour from Shanghai takes you along the classic route, including the main shrines, the modern philosophical park "Prajna Valley" (Banyegu), an ascent to a panoramic summit, and a visit to a cave with a thousand ancient statues.
Attractions
What awaits you
- Meeting at Xinzhuang Metro Station – convenient departure from the southern part of Shanghai, avoiding city centre traffic. Early start (7:30–8:00).
- Comfortable car / minivan journey – distance ≈240 km, travel time with short stops (coffee, toilet) – about 3.5‑4 hours.
- Arrival at Dafosi Temple complex (Xinchang) – direct access to the main entrance, no transfers or waiting for taxis.
- Visit to the Main Hall Dafodian – see the 16‑meter stone Buddha statue from the 6th century.
- Walk through Prajna Valley (Banyegu) – a modern philosophical park with a cascading waterfall and Buddhist bas‑reliefs.
- Ascent to Maosuo Peak – about an hour on well‑maintained steps, panoramic views of the temple and mountains.
- Visit to the Thousand Buddha Grotto (Qianfoyan) – an ancient grotto with 1,040 niches depicting Buddhas (5th–7th centuries).
- Lunch at a local restaurant – traditional Zhejiang cuisine (paid separately).
- Return to Shanghai by car – departure after lunch, arrival at Xinzhuang Metro station in the evening (≈20:00–21:00).
Sample itinerary (1 day, by car)
*Times may vary depending on traffic and group pace.
| Time | Activity | Details and transport |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Meeting at Xinzhuang Metro (莘庄) | Meet your guide at the exit of Xinzhuang Metro station, get into a sedan. Departure. |
| 06:45 | Departure from Shanghai | Travel along the G60 expressway (Shanghai‑Kunming), then onto G92 and G1522. Estimated travel time 2.5‑3 hours (depending on traffic). |
| 09:30–09:45 | Arrival at the Great Buddha Temple | Arrive at the Xinchang Dafosi scenic area. Parking (about 20¥). Purchase entrance tickets (80¥). Start of the tour. |
| 09:45–10:45 | Main Hall Dafodian | View the famous "Great Buddha of Jiangnan", learn about the temple's history (founded in 486 AD). |
| 10:45–12:00 | Prajna Valley (Banyegu) | Walk through the scenic park with waterfalls and stone bas‑reliefs, meditative atmosphere. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch at a café on site | Recommended traditional vegetarian monastic cuisine (cost about 60–80¥). |
| 13:00–14:00 | Ascent to Maosuo Peak | Climb the steps, enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains, photo session. |
| 14:00–14:30 | Thousand Buddha Grotto (Qianfoyan) | Explore the ancient rock niches with Buddha images, descend back. |
| 14:30–15:00 | Free time, souvenirs 醫學Walk around the park, buy souvenirs in local shops (incense, figurines, tea). | |
| 15:00 | Departure back to Shanghai | Gather at the exit, get into the car. Depart along the same route. |
| 18:00–18:30 | Arrival at Xinzhuang Metro Station | Approximate arrival time in Shanghai (depending on possible delays). End of the tour. |
💡 Important notes:
- Departure should ideally be before 7:00 to avoid morning traffic in Shanghai and on the approach to Hangzhou.
- Wear comfortable shoes – there is a mountain ascent and a lot of walking.
- Bring water and a light snack (although lunch is provided).
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated in the temple halls.
- Fuel and toll expenses are paid additionally (estimated: fuel ~350‑450¥, tolls ~210‑310¥ one way).
Price and conditions
Tour cost
Metro + taxi
EconomyTrain + taxi, immersion in the local atmosphere (meeting in Shanghai). Transport paid separately.
By car
ComfortSedan (1‑3 pers.) from Xinzhuang Metro. Fuel and tolls already included in the price.
Additional expenses (paid on site)
- Temple entrance ticket (adult) 80¥ (~11$)
- Discounted entrance ticket 40¥ (~6$)
- Lunch 50–100¥ (~7–14$)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs optional
Duration
Additional services
What else can be visited nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets and guide services may change.
Booking is carried out only after receiving a deposit. The exchange rate is calculated at the current rate.
If you cancel less than 7 days before the tour, the deposit is non‑refundable.
In case of train cancellations due to weather conditions, we will offer alternative dates or refund the deposit for guide services (transport tickets are refunded according to the carrier's rules).
The basic cost does not include and is paid separately: transport, meals, entrance tickets and personal expenses.
