Xichan Temple (Western Zen Temple) sits on the slopes of Mount Yi in Gulou District, close to the city centre. Founded in the Tang dynasty, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Fuzhou. The grounds are quiet and spacious, with a pleasant mix of old and restored halls arranged around a courtyard with a large banyan tree.
The temple is less visited than Yongquan on Gushan, which makes it a better choice if you want to explore a working Buddhist monastery without crowds. The surrounding area retains some older residential streets, and the walk from the city centre passes through a part of Fuzhou that has not yet been fully modernised.