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Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple, located at 176 West Street, Quanzhou, Fujian Province , is a significant cultural relic on China's southeastern coast and the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province. The temple measures 260 meters from north to south and 300 meters from east to west , covering an area of 78,000 square meters. Only one-tenth or two-tenths of the original remains. During its heyday during the Song and Yuan dynasties, there were 120 temples and thousands of monks.
The scenic spots of Kaiyuan Temple along the central axis include the Heavenly King Hall, the Worship Pavilion, the Worship Courtyard, the Main Hall, the Sangpong Ruins, the Ganlu Ordination Platform, the Sutra Library, etc. In addition, there are stone pagodas on the east and west sides and two corridors on the east and west sides.
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Kaiyuan Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Fujian, founded in the Tang Dynasty. It is an important cultural and religious site, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical relics.
Kaiyuan Temple is located in the center of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus from Quanzhou city center. There are also local buses that stop near the temple.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning, especially during religious ceremonies or prayer sessions.
The entrance fee to Kaiyuan Temple is around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, with no need for online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as tickets can be bought on-site. However, visiting on weekdays is recommended to avoid crowds.
You will need about 1-2 hours to fully explore Kaiyuan Temple, including time for sightseeing and attending any ongoing ceremonies.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English can be rented on-site for a more in-depth experience.
The best photography spots include the temple courtyard, the bell tower, and the stone inscriptions. The temple gardens also provide great photo opportunities with lush greenery and traditional architecture.
Start by visiting the main hall to experience the religious atmosphere, then proceed to the stone inscriptions and carvings. Finish with a walk around the temple gardens for a peaceful retreat.
Night visits are not available. However, you can visit the temple during the day to witness religious activities and ceremonies.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays, especially in the early morning, is recommended to avoid large crowds.
Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and a small shop are available. There are no major food stalls within the temple, but there are local restaurants nearby.
The temple is generally accessible for elderly and children, with paved walkways and easy access to most areas. However, some areas might involve steps and could be challenging for wheelchair users.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted at the temple for entry fees and souvenirs.
There are several local restaurants nearby offering traditional Fujian cuisine. The area around Kaiyuan Temple is well-known for its local snacks and casual dining options.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants near the temple. Vegan and halal options may be limited, but you can find some nearby restaurants catering to these needs.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels around Kaiyuan Temple. Options include traditional Chinese-style inns and modern hotels in the city center.
There are souvenir shops near the temple selling religious items such as Buddha statues, prayer beads, and local crafts. Traditional Fujian tea and snacks are also popular souvenirs.
Taxis are the most convenient option to continue your trip. Alternatively, local buses and trains are available to other parts of Quanzhou and nearby attractions.
