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The ruins of Kongque Temple are located at the southwestern foot of Lianzi Mountain in Lai'an County, Anhui Province. Originally built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, the temple was expanded twice, during the first year of the Tiansheng reign of the Song Dynasty and the first year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty. It was damaged during the Chenghua reign and rebuilt during the Bingyin year of the Jiajing reign. During his fourth tour of Jiangnan, Emperor Qianlong stayed overnight at the temple and contracted an illness. The abbot cured him and gifted him 100,000 taels of silver to expand the temple. The temple stretches from Guanmen Lake in the south to the mountainside in the north, spanning approximately four miles from north to south. It features a horse racing hall, three levels of temple grounds, and hundreds of monks. Every year on the 16th day of the first lunar month, the temple fair draws huge crowds.
It was destroyed twice in the late Qianlong reign and the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign. By the early Republic of China, only five main halls, twelve side rooms, three main gates, and a few elderly and frail monks remained. However, the lush forests, bamboo groves, stone piles, and springs created a breathtaking scenery. Before liberation, the temple was destroyed, leaving only a "Forest Protection Stele" erected by Lai'an Governor Wan Lang in the seventh year of the Republic of China. It is now on the original site, maintained by the Lai'an County Cultural Relics Department. In 1999, with approval from religious authorities, Hui Qing, a senior monk from Nanjing's Qixia Temple, invested in the relocation and restoration of the Peacock Temple. The first phase of the project is now complete, and the temple is once again ablaze with worship.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the Peacock Temple ruins are rich in Buddhist culture and are suitable for visitors to pray for blessings in all seasons. You can also enjoy the scenery by boat nearby.
It is recommended to visit the ruins of Matang, Guanmen Lake, Xianren Temple, and Dragon King Temple;
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The Peacock Temple Ruins date back to the Tang Dynasty and were once a center of Buddhist worship. The ruins provide insight into ancient religious practices and architectural styles in the region. The site is also significant for its role in Chuzhou’s cultural and spiritual history.
The Peacock Temple Ruins are located in Chuzhou, Anhui. You can reach the site by taxi or bus from the city center. It is a short walk from nearby landmarks and public transportation points.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy the site in the cooler parts of the day.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30. Tickets can be purchased at the site’s entrance or via local ticketing platforms online.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it’s recommended during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long waiting times.
A typical visit takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in history and photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides are also provided in Mandarin.
Start by exploring the main temple ruins, then take a walk around the perimeter to enjoy the scenic views. End your visit by taking time to relax in the surrounding green spaces.
Night visits and light shows are not available at this site. However, the site can be visited during the evening for a quiet walk in the peaceful surroundings.
The site is generally not very crowded. Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as public toilets and rest areas are available. There are no large shops or food outlets on the site, but small local vendors may be found nearby.
The site is moderately accessible, with some uneven paths and stairs. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to explore some parts of the ruins.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, but it's always good to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of limited mobile payment options.
There are a few local restaurants and cafés near the entrance to the site, serving traditional Anhui cuisine.
Vegetarian options are commonly available, but halal food may be limited in the area. It’s recommended to check the menu in advance.
There are several hotels in Chuzhou city center, including budget and mid-range options. Popular choices include Chuzhou International Hotel and local guesthouses.
Local souvenir shops offer traditional crafts, such as handmade pottery, local textiles, and small items with the Peacock Temple’s motif.
Taxis are available for continued travel, and buses from the nearby station provide easy access to other parts of Chuzhou. Trains to neighboring cities are available from Chuzhou Railway Station.
