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Explore the beautiful temple grounds, meditate in the tranquil environment, admire the ancient architecture, and participate in religious ceremonies or festivals if they coincide with your visit.
Huacheng Temple, the founding temple of Jiuhua Mountain, boasts the longest history and is the pilgrimage site for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, serving as the "head temple" of Jiuhua Mountain's monasteries. In the fifth year of the Long'an reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (401 AD), the monk Beidu built a hermitage here. During the Zhide reign of the Tang Dynasty (756-758 AD), it was rebuilt and renamed Huacheng Temple. The name "Huacheng" originates from a Buddhist story in the Lotus Sutra.
Huacheng Temple is located at the foot of Yunshan Mountain in the Jiuhua Mountain area of Qingyang County, Anhui Province. Jiuhua Mountain is one of the Four Great Mountains of Chinese Buddhism and the pilgrimage site of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. There are 78 extant temples on the mountain. Among them, Huacheng Temple and nine other famous temples are designated as national key Buddhist temples in Han areas. Built in a high mountain basin, Huacheng Temple faces Furong Peak to the south, leans against Baiyun Mountain to the north, borders Dongya Mountain to the east, and borders Shenguang Ridge to the west. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it resembles a city, earning the ancients the nickname "Jade Lotus Surrounded by Inner and Outer Peaks."
Huacheng Temple is now used as the Jiuhuashan Historical and Cultural Relics Museum. The square in front of the temple houses the site of the "Niangniang Pagoda," with a well in its center. There are two legends about the Niangniang Pagoda. Heading south from Huacheng Temple, you'll reach the Sandalwood Forest. The temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations, and the four existing halls are now solemn and orderly. The final hall houses the Sutra Library, which houses 6,777 volumes of the Ming Dynasty Buddhist canon, a treasure that has been preserved to this day. Huacheng Temple suffered numerous fires throughout history, and most of the existing halls were rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. The Sutra Library, however, dates back to the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty. Huacheng Temple has now been transformed into the Jiuhuashan Historical and Cultural Relics Museum, relocating Buddhist artifacts and other treasures previously housed west of the Moon Body Hall. These exhibits include handwritten edicts from Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, monk boots and a seal said to have been worn by the Golden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, red and blue porcelain bowls from the Song and Yuan dynasties, and artifacts such as a model of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and Sanskrit palm-leaf sutras imported from Burma.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Huacheng Temple is the founding temple and the main monastery of Jiuhua Mountain. The ancient temple is high in the basin on the top of the mountain, with its back against Baiyun Mountain and facing Furong Ridge to the south. The East Cliff stands majestically in the east, Shenguang Ridge undulates in the west, and tiger-shaped peaks surround it in the north. The four mountains surround it like a city, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Evening bells of Huacheng, Crescent Moon Pond;
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
Included in the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area ticket
06:30-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
Huacheng Temple, located in Chizhou, Anhui, is an ancient Buddhist temple known for its historical significance in Chinese Buddhism. It is famous for its cultural heritage, architecture, and serene atmosphere, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
Huacheng Temple is located in Chizhou, Anhui Province. You can reach it by taxi from Chizhou city center or take a bus from nearby towns. There are no direct metro services, so a car or taxi is the most convenient option.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Visiting during festivals such as the Lunar New Year can provide a unique cultural experience.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and there is no need to book them in advance.
Booking in advance is not required. You can purchase tickets directly at the temple upon arrival.
Visiting Huacheng Temple typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the temple grounds and reflecting in the peaceful environment.
The main highlights are the temple's ancient architecture, the main hall with its Buddha statues, the serene garden, and the surrounding nature. Don't miss the bell tower and the peaceful meditation areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may also be available, but it is recommended to check in advance or inquire at the temple entrance.
The best photography spots are near the main hall, the bell tower, and the surrounding garden areas. The temple's scenic backdrop of mountains also offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Start by entering the main temple hall, then explore the surrounding gardens and meditation areas. The bell tower offers a panoramic view of the temple grounds and is a must-see for a complete visit.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no regular light shows. However, special tours during festivals or cultural events may offer unique experiences.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the temple. There are also small shops selling religious items and souvenirs, but food and drink options are limited, so it’s best to bring your own supplies.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, but there are some stairs and uneven paths that might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is recommended to check with the temple staff for specific accessibility arrangements.
Cash is commonly used, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to buy souvenirs or offerings.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the temple where you can try traditional Anhui cuisine. For a wider variety of dining options, you may want to head to Chizhou city center.
Vegetarian options are available, especially given the Buddhist nature of the temple. Vegan and halal options may be more limited, but local restaurants in Chizhou may offer such dishes.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels in Chizhou that are within a short drive of the temple. Popular options include local hotels near the city center and boutique hotels that offer a more peaceful retreat.
Nearby attractions include the ancient Jiuhua Mountain and the beautiful Nanling National Forest Park. Both can be easily visited as part of a day trip from the temple.
Souvenir shops at the temple offer religious items like incense, Buddhist statues, and prayer beads. In nearby towns, you can also find local handicrafts and tea products typical of Anhui province.
After visiting Huacheng Temple, you can take a taxi or local transport to explore nearby attractions. Renting a car is a good option for those planning to visit multiple sites in the area.
