Longxing Monastery

Located in Zhengding, Hebei Province—just 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) north of Shijiazhuang—Longxing Monastery is an ancient Buddhist complex often referred to as the 'Best Temple south of Beijing.' First constructed in AD 586 during the Sui dynasty and heavily reconstructed during the Song dynasty, this sprawling site now operates as a museum open to the public. As you explore the grounds along a traditional south-to-north central axis, you will encounter magnificent Chinese temple architecture and priceless historic art.

Highlights include the Tianwang Hall featuring the 'Laughing Buddha,' the historic stone platform of the Dajueliushi Hall, and the iconic Mani Hall, which houses vivid Song dynasty frescoes and the revered 'Guanyin in Mountain' statue. Further along, you can admire the Precept Platform's double-faced bronze Buddha, the 12th-century Zhuanlunzang Pavilion, and the 33-meter-high Dabei Pavilion, home to a massive 21.3-meter Song dynasty bronze Guanyin cast during the empire's early years.

Longxing Monastery offers you a rare, immersive look into China's rich religious and architectural heritage.

What to see at Longxing Monastery

• Dabei Pavilion housing a 21.3-meter Song dynasty bronze statue of Guanyin
• Mani Hall featuring 127 Dougongs, ancient frescoes, and the 'Guanyin in Mountain' statue
• Zhuanlunzang Pavilion with the oldest existent rotating bookshelf repository of its kind
• Precept Platform with its 1493 double-faced bronze Buddha statue
• Tianwang Hall containing a gilded Monk Budai statue and four 4.8-meter Heavenly Kings

Visiting tips

Climb the staircase inside the Dabei Pavilion to view the towering 21.3-meter bronze Guanyin statue from top to bottom.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Longxing Monastery is easy to reach on Shijiazhuang’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Shijiazhuang travel guide.