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Cao'an Temple—the only remaining temple dedicated to the Manichaeism and Manichaean Buddha in my country, and the only extant Manichaean temple site in the world—is designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. Located at the southern foot of Huabiao Mountain in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, Cao'an Temple is a stone structure nestled against the cliff face. It features a single-eaved, hip-and-gable roof with four rafters, three bays wide (1.67 meters), and two bays 3.04 meters deep. The eaves are supported by a single row of horizontal beams, creating a simple and rustic aesthetic.
In the upper left corner of the shrine is an inscribed passage: "Chen Zhenze, a believer from Xiedian City, established the temple. He happily donated the statue of our master, praying for his parents to be reborn in the Buddha's land soon. Diary dated in the 11th month of the fifth year of the Zhiyuan era." Written in regular script, the 34 characters measure 2.5 x 2.5 cm. In the upper right corner, a cruder inscription reads: "Yao Xingzu, from Luoshan, Xinghua Road, donated a completed stone chamber. Praying for the rebirth of my late lord, Zhengqing Yao Rujian, his wife, the 59th Tairu of Guo, his stepmother, Huang Shisanniang, his late brother, Yao Yuejian, and his four disciples, who will soon be reborn in the Buddha's land." These inscriptions are highly valuable, representing the only available textual evidence in the world confirming the date of the Mani Light Buddha statue and temple construction. They are also invaluable and serve as primary historical material for the study of the Mingjiao sect in Quanzhou.
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Caoan Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in the Quanzhou area. It holds deep historical and cultural significance for local residents and visitors alike, serving as a center of worship and cultural preservation. The temple is known for its well-preserved architecture, historical relics, and its role in the spread of Buddhist teachings in the region.
The Caoan Temple is located in the eastern part of Quanzhou, Fujian. It can be easily accessed by taxi or local bus from the city center. Walking from nearby landmarks is also an option for those who prefer to explore the area on foot.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning visits are recommended for a serene experience, with fewer crowds and cooler weather.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the temple. However, donations are welcome. Tickets are not required, but it is suggested to make a voluntary donation to support the temple's upkeep.
There is no need to book tickets in advance as the temple is open to the public without prior reservations.
Plan for about 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple, including the surrounding gardens and the main halls.
Guided tours are available, and they are typically offered in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available on request, but it’s recommended to check availability in advance.
Start at the entrance to admire the architecture, then proceed to the main hall to observe the Buddha statue. Afterward, explore the inner courtyards and gardens before leaving the temple grounds.
Night visits are not available. The temple is typically open during daylight hours. Special tours are occasionally offered during festivals or significant religious events.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during religious holidays. For a quieter visit, try to go on weekdays, especially in the early mornings.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are also small shops selling religious items and souvenirs, though food and drink options are limited inside the temple.
The temple is generally accessible, though some areas may have steps or uneven surfaces. Elderly visitors and those with disabilities may need assistance in certain parts of the temple.
Cash donations are accepted. Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area, though they may not be available for every small transaction inside the temple.
There are no restaurants inside the temple. However, nearby streets in Quanzhou offer a variety of local eateries serving Fujianese cuisine.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in local eateries. Halal and vegan food may be found at certain restaurants near the city center.
There are various hotels near the temple, including mid-range options and budget accommodations in the Quanzhou city center.
There are small souvenir shops at the temple selling religious artifacts, incense, and traditional Buddhist items.
Public buses and taxis are readily available. Ride-sharing apps like Didi are also a convenient option for continuing your journey.
