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Baisui Palace, located atop Chaxiao Peak at an altitude of 871 meters on Jiuhua Mountain, was formerly known as Zhaixing Temple and also as Wannian Zen Temple. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is a National Key Temple. Along with Jiyuan Temple, Dongya Zen Temple, and Ganlu Temple, Baisui Palace is known as one of Jiuhua Mountain's "Four Great Monasteries." The Jiuhua Mountain Administration renovated the temple in 1982, with a total floor area of 2,987 square meters. In 1983, the State Council designated it as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Areas.
Baisui Palace is a typical southern Anhui residential-style temple. The five-story building integrates the mountain gate, main hall, shrine, storehouse, dining hall, monks' quarters, guest rooms, and the East Office (toilet) into a single, integrated structure, devoid of any separate building. From a distance, it resembles a towering ancient castle. This form is extremely rare among extant Chinese temples. The layout of Baisui Palace fully utilizes the south-to-north slope, with floors rising from low to high, forming a winding, deep, magnificent, and ever-changing maze. From the front entrance, the main hall appears to be only one story, while the east wing is two stories, only 10 meters high. However, from the back entrance, the east wall rises 55 meters, indicating a five-story structure. The roof is a complete southern Anhui residential-style four-bay roof with a skylight.
Not far from the temple, there's a pavilion offering a relaxing retreat. Inside, a Maitreya Buddha statue, depicting "Everyone is Happy," was originally enshrined. Buddhist scriptures state that Maitreya resides in Tushita Heaven, so the pavilion's inscription is "Tushita Courtyard," suggesting that the pavilion serves as the temple's entrance.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Baisui Palace is located on the top of Chaxiao Peak at an altitude of 871 meters in Jiuhua Mountain. Jiuhua Mountain has a late spring, early autumn, short summer and long winter. Spring and autumn are the best time to travel.
The Sambhogakaya Bodhisattva, the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, a corner of the Centennial Palace, and the Centennial Palace Cable Car;
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours
Tickets are included in the Jiuhua Mountain ticket; Baisui Palace Cable Car, one-way 55 yuan, round-trip 100 yuan
7:00-16:30
The Centenary Palace in Chizhou was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city. It is an important cultural landmark and has historical significance, reflecting both modern and traditional Chinese architecture.
The Centenary Palace is located in the heart of Chizhou city, Anhui. It can be reached by taxi, local buses, or walking from nearby city landmarks.
The Centenary Palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee to the Centenary Palace is typically around 30-50 CNY, depending on the exhibits. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and in some cases, online booking is available through official platforms.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general entry. However, if you plan to attend a special event or exhibition, booking in advance is recommended.
It generally takes around 2-3 hours to explore the Centenary Palace, including visiting the main hall, surrounding gardens, and exhibitions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides may be provided for foreign tourists in English. It's best to inquire at the entrance for availability.
Start by exploring the exterior of the palace and gardens. Then, move to the main hall for cultural exhibitions, and finally visit the other exhibition halls based on your interests.
Night visits are not typically available. However, special events or performances might be held during weekends or holidays. It’s advisable to check ahead.
The palace can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit in the early morning or on weekdays.
There are public toilets, rest areas, and a small selection of food vendors. Water and light snacks are available at some spots, and souvenir shops sell local crafts.
The Centenary Palace is mostly accessible for elderly and disabled visitors with paved pathways and ramps. However, some exhibition areas might have stairs, so it’s best to check in advance if needed.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are accepted. Cash is less commonly used but still accepted in some areas.
There are a few local restaurants near the Centenary Palace offering traditional Chinese dishes. Some small cafes provide coffee and light snacks within walking distance.
Vegetarian food is available at many local eateries. Halal options might be available at certain nearby restaurants catering to the Muslim community.
There are several hotels around the area, ranging from budget to mid-range, including options like the Chizhou Grand Hotel and local guesthouses.
Nearby attractions include the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area and the ancient city of Chizhou. These can be easily combined for a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside and around the palace selling local handicrafts, tea, and other traditional Chinese items.
Taxis and public buses are available for further transportation. Ride-hailing services like Didi are also convenient for getting around.
