Kaiyuan Temple (Quanzhou)
Fujian Sheng
Kaiyuan Temple, located in Quanzhou, Fujian province, is one of the largest and most historically significant Buddhist temples in southern China. Originally established in 686 during the Tang dynasty, it has undergone several reconstructions, notably during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. The temple complex covers approximately 78,000 square meters and features a central axis with key structures such as the mountain gate combined with the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the main Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian), the Ganlu Precept Platform, and the Sutra Library. Architecturally, the Mahavira Hall is renowned for its "hundred-pillared" design with 86 massive stone columns supporting an intricate wooden framework. The temple is also famous for its twin stone pagodas, the Zhen Guo Pagoda and the Ren Shou Pagoda, which exemplify Song dynasty stone pagoda architecture and have withstood centuries of natural disasters. The temple houses numerous relics and statues, including a significant wooden statue of Buddha from the Ming dynasty. Kaiyuan Temple remains a vital center of Han Chinese Buddhism and a symbol of Quanzhou's rich cultural heritage, reflecting the city's historical importance as a cosmopolitan maritime hub during the Song and Yuan periods.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit Kaiyuan Temple during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially in the morning when the atmosphere is serene. Purchasing tickets or entry passes in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The temple is accessible by multiple local bus routes stopping near the west gate. Modest entrance fees may offer discounts for students and seniors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the temple grounds are extensive and include various halls and pagodas to explore.
Interesting facts
- •Kaiyuan Temple's Mahavira Hall is known as the 'Hundred Pillar Hall' due to its 86 large stone columns supporting the roof.
- •The temple's twin stone pagodas, Zhen Guo and Ren Shou, are among the tallest and oldest paired stone pagodas in China, surviving natural disasters for over 800 years.
- •The wooden Buddha statue housed in the Ganlu Precept Platform dates back to the Ming dynasty and is a rare surviving example of ancient Buddhist sculpture.
- •The ancient mulberry tree on the temple grounds is one of the oldest cultivated mulberry trees in the world, believed to date back to the Tang dynasty.
- •The temple integrates architectural and artistic elements influenced by Buddhist, Taoist, and even Christian motifs, reflecting Quanzhou's historical cosmopolitanism.
History
Kaiyuan Temple was founded in 686 AD during the Tang dynasty, originally named 'Lotus Temple' before undergoing several renamings and reconstructions.
It received its current name in 738 AD by imperial decree to commemorate the Kaiyuan era.
The temple was rebuilt multiple times after damage during the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties, with significant expansions during the Ming dynasty, including the construction of the main Mahavira Hall in 1637.
The twin stone pagodas were constructed in the late Tang and Song periods and have survived numerous earthquakes and typhoons.
Throughout its history, Kaiyuan Temple has been a prominent center for Buddhist teaching and cultural exchange in Quanzhou.
Place Guide
Mountain Gate and Hall of Heavenly Kings1925
The combined mountain gate and Hall of Heavenly Kings form the temple's main entrance, featuring stone pillars inscribed with couplets by the famous scholar Zhu Xi and calligraphy by Master Hong Yi. This hall serves as a protective gateway housing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian)1637
The temple's main hall, built in 1637 during the Ming dynasty, is notable for its vast size, double-eaved hip roof, and 86 stone columns supporting a complex wooden beam structure. The hall houses intricate wooden carvings of flying celestial musicians blending Buddhist and Christian artistic motifs.
Ganlu Precept PlatformSong dynasty origin, Ming reconstruction
Originally built during the Song dynasty and rebuilt in the late Ming, this octagonal, two-story structure serves as a platform for Buddhist ordination ceremonies. It contains a wooden statue of the Buddha of Light (Lushena Buddha) from the Ming era.
Zhen Guo PagodaOriginal Tang dynasty (865), rebuilt 1238-1250
Located on the east side of the temple, this stone pagoda was first built in the Tang dynasty and rebuilt in the Southern Song era. It is a seven-story octagonal tower standing 48.24 meters tall, decorated with exquisite stone carvings and designed to resemble wooden architecture.
Ren Shou PagodaOriginal 916 AD, rebuilt 1228-1237
On the west side of the temple stands the Ren Shou Pagoda, originally a seven-story wooden tower from the Five Dynasties period, rebuilt as a brick and stone pagoda in the Southern Song dynasty. It stands 44.06 meters tall and features detailed stone reliefs.
Contact
Phone: 0595 2238 3285
