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Visit the serene Ganlu Temple to explore its tranquil surroundings, ancient architecture, and Buddhist relics. It is a perfect place for quiet reflection, meditation, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to walk around the temple grounds and appreciate the traditional design and natural beauty of the area.
Ganlu Temple, located in Jiuhua Mountain in southern Anhui Province, is one of the mountain's most important temples, situated beneath the Dingxin Stone on the hillside of Huacheng Mountain. Originally named Ganlu Nunnery, also known as Ganlu Zen Forest, it was built in 1667, when Imperial Monk Yulin visited Jiuhua and expressed his belief that building a temple there would undoubtedly lead to the emergence of a great monk. Upon hearing this, Monk Dong'an, who had long resided in Fuhu Cave, immediately raised funds to build the temple. Legend has it that on the eve of construction, the mountain's treetops were covered in white dew, hence the name Ganlu Temple.
Ganlu Temple, with a total construction area of 3,500 square meters, comprises three residential-style buildings and the palace-style Main Hall. Built into the mountainside, it rises five stories and features a glazed tile roof that shimmers with golden light. The temple has an irregular layout. The two buildings to the north, the Weituo Hall and the Guest Hall, are situated on a 2.5-meter-high platform, each with a three-story attic. The Guest Hall, with its four windows on the wall, actually has only three floors, with windows on the top floor adding a sense of depth. South of the Weituo Hall is the 15-meter-high Main Hall, with a front corridor. Built on a 6.8-meter platform, the hall is 17 meters wide and 15.5 meters deep. To the east of the Main Hall is a two-story corridor with an inner courtyard, 22 meters deep and 15 meters wide. The upper and lower floors house the Patriarch's Hall, the Abbot's Quarters, the Meditation Hall, and guest rooms.
After entering the main gate, pedestrians exit through the side door, ascend a dozen steps, and enter the main hall from the side, creating a distinct sense of spatial layering and a play of light and shade. The temple boasts three skylights and hundreds of exterior windows. The roofs are gabled with two or four cascades, while the main hall features a hip roof. The temple's spacious halls and neatly arranged pavilions, nestled against the backdrop of verdant mountains and flanked by flowing water, create a poetic and picturesque atmosphere. Ancient residents who stayed at the temple commemorated the lines, "The sound of a spring falls from the corner of the house, mist drifts past the head of the bed," and "Only after staying here in this Zen retreat can one appreciate the beauty of the mountains." Along the path in front of the temple stands a stone railing with ice-patterned patterns, offering panoramic views of the mountains from under the shade of ancient trees. Beside the temple stands a "centering stone," and surrounded by lush bamboo forests, it blocks out the sun.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Ganlu Temple is located in Jiuhua Mountain in southern Anhui Province. It is one of the important temples in Jiuhua Mountain and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Main hall, side halls, and dormitories;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
No tickets required, included in the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area ticket
7:00-17:00
Ganlu Temple, a historical Buddhist temple in Anhui's Chizhou region, has been a significant religious site for centuries. It is known for its historical artifacts, ancient structures, and the spiritual importance it holds for both locals and Buddhist followers. The temple is also a place of pilgrimage, attracting those who seek peace and spiritual enlightenment.
Ganlu Temple is located in Chizhou, Anhui. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from the Chizhou city center. Public transportation options are available, but it is best to take a taxi for a more direct route. The temple is also accessible by car if you are traveling from other nearby cities.
Ganlu Temple is open daily, with no specific closing days. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, when the temple is less crowded and the weather is cooler, allowing for a more peaceful and serene experience.
The entrance to Ganlu Temple is typically free, although donations are appreciated for temple maintenance and religious services. There is no need to buy tickets in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. You can visit the temple directly without prior reservations.
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Ganlu Temple, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture, walking around the grounds, and reflecting in the peaceful surroundings.
The must-see highlights include the main hall with its beautiful Buddhist statues, the surrounding gardens, and the peaceful courtyards where visitors can enjoy quiet moments of meditation. The temple's ancient architecture is also a significant feature, with intricate carvings and well-preserved structures.
Guided tours are not typically available, but some local guides may offer their services. Audio guides may be available in Chinese, but it is advisable to bring a guidebook or do some research beforehand if you don’t speak the language.
The best photography spots are around the temple's front hall and the surrounding gardens. The temple’s scenic setting against the backdrop of nature offers great opportunities for capturing the peaceful atmosphere.
Start your visit by exploring the main hall and Buddhist statues, then proceed to the gardens and courtyards to enjoy the peaceful environment. Walking through the temple grounds allows you to appreciate the historical and spiritual significance of the place.
There are no special night visits or light shows at Ganlu Temple. However, the temple is beautifully lit at night and offers a tranquil experience if you prefer a quieter visit after sunset.
Ganlu Temple is generally not very crowded, but it can get busier during religious festivals or public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or in the early mornings on weekends.
Ganlu Temple has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. However, there are no food stalls or shops within the temple grounds. It’s best to bring your own water and snacks if needed.
Ganlu Temple has some areas with uneven paths, so it may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. However, the main hall and surrounding areas are accessible to most visitors, including children and elderly guests.
Cash is generally accepted for donations and purchases, but mobile payments may also be an option for certain services in the area. It’s recommended to bring some cash, as not all places may accept cards.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside Ganlu Temple, but nearby Chizhou offers various local dining options, including restaurants serving Anhui cuisine and vegetarian dishes.
Vegetarian food is widely available, especially near Buddhist temples like Ganlu. Halal options may be more limited, but you can find vegetarian restaurants in the Chizhou area.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses near Ganlu Temple, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Accommodations in Chizhou city center are also a convenient choice for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the beautiful Jiuhua Mountain, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the Tongling Scenic Area. These sites can be easily combined in a day trip from Ganlu Temple.
There are no souvenir shops directly at Ganlu Temple, but you can find traditional Buddhist souvenirs and local crafts in nearby Chizhou markets and stores.
Taxis, buses, and private cars are the best transportation options for continuing your trip after visiting Ganlu Temple. Chizhou Railway Station is also nearby for train travel to other cities.
