Most tourists to Xian will be unacquainted with the Temple of Flourishing Teaching, but within Chinese history, it is a place of great importance. The temple is one of the ancestral courtyards of the Ci'en sect, one of the eight Buddhist sects of Han people. The founder of the Ci'en sect, was the famous Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang, has been in repose here ever since. Only for this, the role of Temple of Flourishing Teaching is distinct in Chinese history. The same as Da Ci'en Temple, Temple of Flourishing Teaching and Xuanzang are in very close relationship. Xuanzang translated lections in Da Ci'en Temple when he was alive, after his death, Temple of Flourishing Teaching was built up in 669 for his ashes.

It is said that after Xuanzang return from India, he meticulously translated more than 600 scriptures in Da Ci'en Temple, a life long labor of love. Xuanzang decided he required an assistant, one who may continue his work. Xuanzang came across a young man, who looking extraordinarily dignified and impressive in appearance. Xuanzang asked the young man to be his disciple, which got the support of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (618--907). The disciple studied hard, learned Sanskrit and composed many Buddhist works. After listening to the story, you may find it has some similarities to the famous Chinese novel, Journey to the West. If you have ever been moved by that story, you will find something here.

Temple of Flourishing Teaching is located on Shaoling Plateau, Chang'an District, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Xian. It is one of the Eight Great Temples of ancient Fanchuan (a town in south of Xian). Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty wrote for the temple, Xing Jiao (Flourishing Teaching) on the stupa which means that Buddhism would flourish by inheriting Xuanzang's achievement.

The temple was divided into three courtyards, Front Courtyard, East Courtyard and West Courtyard. Structures stand densely in the Front Courtyard; they are Mountain Gate, Bell and Drum Towers, Devajara Hall (Daxiong-baodian) and Preach Hall. Daxiong-baodian is very grand, where a bronze Sakyamuni statue sits in the middle, in front of which is a 2 meters high consummate white jade joss presented by Burma. East Courtyard is Storehouse of Buddhism scriptures which is an ancient attic with double floors. West Courtyard is the Stupa Courtyard. There are dagoba of Xuanzang and two small dagobas of Xuanzang's two disciples.

From the Tang Dynasty, Temple of Flourishing Teaching became a place of pilgrimage and a tourist attraction. So Buddhist followers and those who worship the master Xuanzang cannot miss such a place.