Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
Dafo Temple
| Admission Fee: | CNY 41 |
| Opening Hours: | 07:30 to 17:30 |
| Recommended Time for a Visit: | One Hour |
The Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple, originally constructed 900 years ago during the Yong’an era of Emperor Chongzong in the Western Xia Dynasty, stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Over the centuries, the temple has served as a spiritual sanctuary and a center of religious worship for countless devotees.
In 1274, the renowned explorer Marco Polo embarked on his historic journey to the East, traversing vast distances and encountering diverse cultures along the way. During his travels, Polo arrived in Zhangye and was deeply captivated by the Buddhist culture and the exquisite architectural marvels of the Grand Buddha Temple. Impressed by the temple’s grandeur and the profound spirituality it embodied, Polo chose to extend his stay in Zhangye, immersing himself in the serene ambiance of the temple complex for a year.
Polo’s encounter with the Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple not only left an indelible impression on him but also contributed to the temple’s legacy, as his accounts introduced its beauty and significance to the wider world. Today, the Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple continues to attract visitors from far and wide, serving as a revered symbol of spiritual enlightenment and cultural heritage.
