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Visit the temple's serene grounds, explore its historical architecture, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the main hall, which features impressive Buddhist statues and intricate carvings. The surrounding natural beauty also offers great opportunities for reflection and photography.
Huiju Temple, formerly known as Huiqing Nunnery, consists of two courtyards, the Upper and Lower. The Upper Court was first built during the Qing Dynasty and expanded by the abbot, Renlin, in the late Qing Dynasty. In 1938, the abbot, Puming, raised funds to rebuild the main hall, expand the dormitories, and accommodate the congregation, bringing the temple to its full potential. The temple was renamed "Huiju Zen Temple." During the Anti-Japanese War, Qingyang Middle School relocated to the temple. Huiju Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Minyuan area of Jiuhua Mountain. Nestled against the mountains and facing a sea of bamboo, it offers a breathtakingly beautiful setting. The temple's numerous Buddha statues, all crafted from dry lacquer and hemp, are beautifully shaped, each with its own distinct expression and lifelike expression.
From Min Garden, ascend to Tiantai and follow the ancient stone steps. After about a mile, you'll reach Huiju Temple. Originally named Huiqing Temple, Huiju Temple boasts a picturesque setting, nestled against a mountain backdrop and facing a sea of bamboo. Its halls are magnificent and splendid.
The main hall features a tall triangular gate for entry and exit; adjacent are the monk quarters, housing the "deacon" monks responsible for hall management. The main hall houses the towering "Three Buddhas" of Sakyamuni, Bhaisajyaguru, and Amitabha, along with the Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra. Flanking these are the seated statues of the Eighteen Arhats. The entire hall is filled with Buddha statues crafted entirely of dry lacquer and hemp, each beautifully shaped, each with its own distinct expression, and remarkably lifelike. Bells, drums, and other ritual instruments are meticulously displayed. A couplet beside the Buddha statue reads: "Three threes intersect, the mortal and the sage; ninety-nine peaks and ridges are renowned in the southeast." Below the plaque inside the hall gate reads: "The Yangtze River is a fairyland, a vast sea of clouds, and from time to time, the wind carries the sounds of the pagoda; Jiuhua is the true Buddhist land, the Brahma Palace is majestic, and at daytime, the smoke from the sacred mountain rises." The golden characters of the couplet and plaque complement the golden Buddha statues, creating a dazzling and eye-catching effect.
The climate is transitional from warm temperate to subtropical. Huiju Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Minyuan area of Jiuhua Mountain. It is backed by high mountains and faces the bamboo sea. The environment is very beautiful and suitable for travel in all seasons.
Patriarch Hall, Sutra Library, Three Gates Hall, etc.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
No tickets required, included in the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area ticket
Monday-Sunday: 8:00-17:30
Huiju Temple is a Buddhist temple in Chizhou, Anhui, known for its deep historical roots. It has been an important religious site for centuries, serving as a center for spiritual practice and worship. The temple's architectural style reflects ancient Chinese Buddhist traditions, and it remains an active place of pilgrimage.
Huiju Temple is located in the city of Chizhou, Anhui Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from central Chizhou. The temple is located in a more serene, rural area, so walking might be a good option for those who enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning for a tranquil experience, or in the late afternoon to see the temple bathed in golden light. Weekdays tend to be quieter compared to weekends.
The entrance fee is generally low, around 10-20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There are no online ticketing systems currently in place.
No advance booking is required for visiting Huiju Temple. You can simply purchase tickets at the entrance when you arrive.
Allow about 1-2 hours to fully explore Huiju Temple, depending on how much time you wish to spend reflecting in the peaceful surroundings or admiring the intricate details of the temple's architecture.
Guided tours are available, and the guides generally speak Mandarin. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available upon request, though foreign language options are limited.
The temple's main hall provides a perfect backdrop for photos, especially with the mountains and lush greenery around it. The garden areas and surrounding natural landscapes offer excellent opportunities for peaceful, scenic shots.
Start by exploring the main hall to appreciate the statues and religious artifacts. Afterward, take a walk through the temple grounds, enjoying the gardens and pagoda. End your visit with a peaceful time in the surrounding natural areas.
There are no light shows or night tours available at Huiju Temple. The temple closes by 5:00 PM, and it is not typically open after dark.
The temple can get moderately crowded on weekends and during national holidays. The best times to visit are on weekdays, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
There are basic amenities available at the temple, including public toilets and rest areas. There are also small shops selling religious items, souvenirs, and snacks.
The temple has some accessibility for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may involve stairs or uneven terrain. The main hall and garden areas are more easily accessible.
Cash is typically accepted at the temple, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted in all areas.
Vegetarian options are available at some restaurants near the temple, as Buddhist cuisine often features vegetarian dishes. Halal food options are limited, but may be found in other parts of Chizhou.
There are small souvenir shops around the temple selling items like Buddhist statues, incense, religious texts, and traditional handicrafts such as calligraphy and silk products.
