NESTORIAN STELE HISTORY
The Nestorian stele was made in Xi’an China in 781 AD. During the Tang Dynasty emperors were open to foreign culture and it was at this time the Nestorian monk Alopen began his travels along the silk road from Daqin (the ancient Chinese for Roman Empire). He arrived in 635 AD during the reign of Emperor Taizong and soon began to propagate the Nestorian Christian faith. Two hundred years later the government persecuted religions, so the Christians fled and buried the stele. It was discovered in the 17th century Ming Dynasty near Chongren Temple.
DIRECTIONS
The Nestorian Stele is located in the Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum in the southwest area of the old city and is easy to locate, especially with this map I added below!.
When you arrive at the south gate (this gate has the entrance to the top of the wall. You can rent bicycles and ride along the top) go East along Shuncheng Alley.
The museum will be on the left side.
There is an English sign if you have any doubts.
FINDING THE NESTORIAN STELE INSIDE THE MUSEUM
The tricky part is locating the stele because there are no indications where it is except for a sign below the stele itself. Wikipedia says it is in room 2, but when you are there room 2 can be hard to find. Essentially, walk straight through the courtyard and to the back of the museum.
Walk into the room and the Nestorian Stele will be on the left side of the entrance.
As noted above, you will notice a sign in English describing the contents of the stele.
And there you have it, a 1300 year old Ancient Chinese Christian relic. If you want to know a little more about the stele and its contents, then click here. While you are in Asia, why not stop in Japan and visit the relics of St. Nicholas.
If you have any other questions about Xi’an and locating the Nestorian stele, please write them below!
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