Live Your Best Lives
Visitors can explore the serene temple grounds, admire the architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. A visit to the main hall and surrounding courtyards is highly recommended, and it's a great spot for reflection, photography, and appreciating traditional Buddhist culture.
Xiangyin Temple, nestled in the heart of West Huangshan Mountain in Huanglu Town, Chaohu Lake, is built into the mountainside, surrounded on three sides by dense forests. Facing Chaohu Lake, a mirror-like surface can be seen from atop the mountain behind. Chaohu, an ancient city during the Spring and Autumn Period, was a place of outstanding people and flourishing culture, with numerous generations of outstanding figures, including the renowned general Zhang Zhizhong, who was born here.
The name of Xiangyin Temple was inscribed by Zhao Puchu, President of the Buddhist Association of China, in his later years. The calligraphy is rich and solemn, complementing the temple perfectly. Upon entering the temple, one is greeted by the smiling face of Maitreya Buddha, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings, a majestic and vivid sight.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings leads to the Hall of Reclining Buddha. The Reclining Buddha is carved from a single piece of Burmese jade weighing several tons . It is 3 meters long and looks serene and relaxed. Going up the stairs from the Hall of Reclining Buddha is the Main Hall. The platform in front of the hall is made of white marble, which makes it look more peaceful. Looking up, you can see the four majestic characters " Main Hall " written by the great master Zhao Puchu.
Upon entering the hall, one is greeted by the majestic presence of Sakyamuni Buddha, shimmering in golden light, drawing worshippers to their feet. Eight statues of the venerable Buddhas, each with their own unique expressions, are lifelike and almost seem to leap out of the water. Behind the main hall is the Dharma Hall, and on the second floor of the Dharma Hall is the Sutra Library. To the east of the main hall is the Chanting Hall, and to the west is the Guanyin Hall.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
10 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Xiangyinji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with deep cultural significance in Hefei. It was built to honor traditional Chinese religious practices, offering a space for meditation and worship. It holds a rich history as a center for Buddhist learning and spiritual growth.
The temple is located in the city center of Hefei, Anhui. Visitors can take a taxi or use public transport (bus or metro) to get there. It's easily accessible by metro, with a station nearby.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the temple is less crowded, and the atmosphere is more serene for contemplation.
There is no entrance fee for visiting Xiangyinji Temple. It is free to the public, but donations are appreciated to support the temple’s maintenance and activities.
No, tickets are not required, as it is a free public temple. Advance booking is not necessary.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore Xiangyinji Temple, depending on how much time you wish to spend in each section of the temple grounds.
The must-see areas include the main hall, the serene courtyards, and the Buddha statues. The surrounding gardens and peaceful spaces for meditation are also highlights.
Guided tours may be available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English are not typically offered, but visitors can request a local guide to provide insights into the temple’s history and significance.
The best photography spots are around the central courtyard, especially near the main hall, where the Buddha statues are prominently displayed. The surrounding gardens also offer excellent backdrops for photos.
Start by visiting the main hall to see the statues and explore the courtyards. Then, walk through the surrounding gardens, making sure to take time to enjoy the peaceful, reflective atmosphere. End your visit by walking around the outer areas of the temple for a complete experience.
The temple does not offer night visits, light shows, or special tours. It is mainly a daytime attraction, with the temple closing at 6:00 PM.
The temple is generally peaceful, but weekends can see more visitors. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays or early in the morning on weekends.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and resting areas. There are no restaurants or shops inside, but there are small food vendors and cafes nearby in the surrounding area.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, with paved paths leading to key areas. However, elderly or disabled visitors may find some of the temple's stairways challenging, particularly in certain areas around the main hall.
Cash is not strictly required, but donations are accepted in cash or through mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
There are no restaurants or cafes within the temple itself. However, there are several local restaurants and cafes within walking distance from the temple, offering both local and regional dishes.
While the nearby restaurants may offer vegetarian options, vegan and halal food options may be limited. It is advisable to check with the restaurants in advance for specific dietary requirements.
There are several hotels and accommodations near Xiangyinji Temple, including budget options and more upscale hotels. Some options include the Hefei Grand Hotel and nearby guesthouses.
Nearby attractions include the Anhui Museum, Swan Lake, and Hefei Wildlife Park. These can be easily combined with a trip to Xiangyinji Temple for a full day of sightseeing in Hefei.
There are no souvenir shops inside the temple, but you can find small Buddhist-themed trinkets and local handicrafts in shops around the temple area.
The best transportation options are taxis or public transport (bus or metro) from the temple to other areas of Hefei. Ride-sharing services like Didi are also convenient for continuing your journey.
