As with the uncovering of the Terracotta Warriors by well-digging peasants, we owe the discovery of Famen Si's treasures to chance. In 1981, torrential rains led to the collapse of the western half of this ancient temple, revealing an enormous crypt that had been sealed up for over 1,000 years. 

Legend had long claimed that the Buddha's finger bones were secreted away somewhere within the temple, and sure enough, the bones were found in a silver reliquary, along with an astonishing array of Tang Dynasty artifacts including ancient Buddhist sutras, gold and silver and jade relics, and even glassware from the Roman Empire that had been brought to China via the Silk Road.

The temple itself dates back to around 200 AD and the time of the Eastern Han Dynasty, making it one of the earliest centers of Buddhist worship in China. In 147 AD, King Asoka of India arrived and left a number of relics with the local Buddhist community; the original Famen Si was constructed to house the gift of the Bhudda's finger bones. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Famen Si played a major role in the religious life of the empire, and the bones were on a number of occasions to the imperial court in Xi'an. When the Tang fell, China entered a chaotic period of transition and the sealed vault holding Famen Si's treasures was forgotten.

Even without the discovery of the hidden vault, Famen Si—expertly renovated after the 1981 collapse—would be worth the visit; with them it is a must-see for any interested in Chinese history, religion and art. Though it requires a day trip from Xi'an, it's a day well spent. The temple remains active and is a destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. The addition of an excellent museum to house and display the relics found in the crypt allows today's faithful to use the temple without impediment while visitors view exquisite Tang treasures.

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