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Visit the main temple halls for meditation and spiritual reflection, enjoy the serene surroundings of the gardens, explore the Zen meditation practices, and take part in tea ceremonies if offered.
Dongya Zen Temple is located atop the eastern peak of Jiuhua Mountain in Qingyang County, Anhui Province, perched atop a massive rock at an altitude of 871 meters. From here, one can overlook the Yangtze River, look down at Jiuhua Town, and gaze upward at Tiantai Peak, taking in the surrounding scenery of Jiuhua. The Buddhist landscape is unobstructed.
Notable modern monks at Dongya Temple include Master Yuexia and Master Xinjian. In the late Qing Dynasty, Master Yuexia was appointed abbot of the temple. He led congregants in meditation and lectured on the sutras, attracting hundreds of monks from all over the world. He also founded the Huayan Dharma Center at Cuifeng Temple, promoting monastic education and prioritizing both spiritual practice and learning. Following Master Yuexia, Master Xinjian became abbot of Dongya Temple. During this time, he established the Dongya Lower Court and Fahua Temple, actively promoting the Dharma, and served several times as Chairman of the Jiuhuashan Buddhist Association and the Anhui Buddhist Association.
Dongya Zen Temple is surrounded by numerous historical sites. To the east of the cliff lies an ancient cave several meters deep and three meters wide. Clouds piled up at the entrance resemble snow, earning it the name "Duiyun Cave," where Jin Dizang first took refuge when he arrived in Jiuhua. Above the cave lies a large, square rock on the east side, where Jin Dizang often chanted sutras and contemplated the scenery, meditating in serenity. Hence, the rock is known as "Yanzuo Rock."
Subtropical monsoon climate; Dongya Zen Temple is one of the four major jungles in Jiuhua. It is located on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a deep valley. It is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round. It is one of the viewing spots for watching the sea of clouds in Jiuhua and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Youming Bell Pavilion, Duiyun Cave, Yanzuo Rock, etc.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours
No tickets required, included in the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area ticket
Monday-Sunday: 8:00-17:30
The Dongya Zen Temple is a significant Buddhist temple, known for its long history as a center of Zen practice and meditation. It plays a key role in preserving Zen Buddhism traditions in the region.
The temple is located in Chizhou, Anhui. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi from Chizhou city center, or by local buses that connect to the temple area.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s less crowded.
The entrance fee is typically free, though donations are appreciated. Some special events or exhibitions may require tickets, which can be purchased on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required, except for special events or large group visits. If required, tickets can be booked a few days in advance.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the temple and its surroundings, including meditation areas and gardens.
The main temple hall, the Zen garden, and the meditation rooms are must-see highlights. The surrounding natural scenery adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese. Audio guides may be offered in other languages, depending on availability.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the temple steps, overlooking the surrounding forest and hills. The Zen garden is also a beautiful photography spot.
Start with the main temple hall, followed by a stroll through the Zen garden, and end with a visit to the meditation rooms for a quiet experience.
Night visits are not typically available, but special meditation sessions or tea ceremonies may be arranged during certain times of the year.
The temple can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit for a peaceful experience is during weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There may be a small shop selling Buddhist souvenirs, but no large food courts.
The temple is partially accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, though some areas with steep steps might be challenging. Children can enjoy the space, but parents should supervise them in the gardens.
Cash is typically required for small donations, but mobile payments may be accepted at the gift shop or for certain services.
There are small tea houses nearby where visitors can enjoy tea and snacks. However, there are no major restaurants inside the temple complex.
Vegetarian food options are available at some nearby tea houses, in line with the temple’s Buddhist practices.
There are several hotels in Chizhou city, around a 20-30 minute drive from the temple, including both budget and mid-range options.
Other attractions include the famous Jiuhua Mountain and various Buddhist monasteries. These can easily be combined in a day trip from Dongya Zen Temple.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop selling Buddhist-themed items like incense, prayer beads, and small statues.
Taxis or local buses are the best transportation options to continue your journey from Dongya Zen Temple to nearby attractions or hotels.
