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Suyan Temple is located in Tingdian Village, Jiangnan Town, Licheng District, east of Zimao Mountain in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. Founded in 1906, the 32nd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, Suyan Temple was built on the ruins of the Song Dynasty Hai'an Temple. Facing south, with rolling peaks in front and mountains in the back, the temple resembles a "swallow returning to its nest," hence its name. A peak depicts Laozi riding a green ox. Recent renovations and expansions have added the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Great Compassion Hall, and two corridors. Four pavilions, a lotus pond, a garden, and a Merit Hall for the donation of medicine have been added, creating a revamped landscape.
Suyan Temple is 4 kilometers away from Quanzhou City. From Quanzhou Bridge, drive south along National Highway 324 to Tingdian Village. There is a cement mountain road that allows you to drive directly to the temple.
During the Zhihe period of the Northern Song Dynasty, a Buddhist temple called "Hai'an Nunnery" was built on the mountain. At its peak, it housed 500 nuns who practiced Buddhism. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed during the Yuan Dynasty war. Remaining relics include the duel stone, a stupa, and a thousand-year-old red tea tree.
During the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Yang Jiagu, a widow from Tingdian, built a hut on Gaofeng Mountain and practiced asceticism, devoting herself to Buddhism. Impressed by her dedication and steadfastness, believers from all over the world raised funds and built a temple during the Guangxu reign, making Gaofeng Mountain a sacred Buddhist site once again. Legend has it that at the time, a pair of swallows nested on the beams of the house, which was considered a good omen, and thus the temple was named "Suyan Temple."
Subtropical monsoon climate; Suyan Temple has now become a famous tourist destination in the suburbs of Quanzhou, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Great Compassion Hall, Stupa, Bell and Drum Tower;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
15 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Suyan Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Quanzhou, significant for its historical and religious value. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage, with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The temple represents the cultural fusion of Buddhism and local customs.
Suyan Temple is located in Quanzhou, Fujian. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or walking if you are staying nearby. Public transport options are widely available from the city center.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple’s entrance. Online ticket options may also be available through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it can be helpful during peak tourist seasons. Booking a day or two in advance is recommended.
It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore Suyan Temple, including the main halls, gardens, and surrounding areas.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in both Mandarin and English are offered for a more in-depth experience.
Start by exploring the main temple hall, then walk through the surrounding gardens. End your visit by viewing the historical inscriptions and other cultural displays inside the temple.
Night visits or light shows are not available. The temple is best visited during daylight hours for a full experience of its architecture and surroundings.
The temple can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or early in the morning during non-peak seasons.
The temple offers basic facilities, including toilets and resting areas. There are no large food courts or restaurants, but small local vendors may sell snacks and water nearby.
Suyan Temple is accessible for elderly visitors and children, but there may be some stairs and uneven paths that could be challenging for wheelchair users.
Cash is commonly accepted at the ticket booth and for small purchases. Mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted.
There are no large restaurants or cafes within the temple grounds. However, several traditional eateries serving Fujian cuisine can be found nearby in Quanzhou’s city center.
Vegetarian options are available at some local eateries nearby, but for vegan or halal food, you may need to explore the wider city center.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Quanzhou city center, offering various price ranges and convenient access to the temple.
Small souvenir shops near the temple sell traditional crafts, Buddhist artifacts, tea, and locally made items such as silk and porcelain.
From Suyan Temple, taxis or buses are the best options for continuing your trip to nearby attractions in Quanzhou or returning to the city center.
