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Tonghuai Guanyue Temple, located on Tumen Street in Licheng District, is one of the famous historical sites in Quanzhou ancient city for worshipping the civil saint (Confucius) and the military saint (Guan Yu). The main hall enshrines Guan Hanting Hou and Yue Zhongwu Wang, as well as 24 famous loyal and martial generals from past dynasties .
The temple preserves famous plaques such as " Integrity " written by Zhu Xi, a great Confucian scholar in the Song Dynasty, and " Filling the Heaven and Earth " written by Zhang Ruitu, a calligrapher in the Ming Dynasty. It is also filled with stone carvings and couplets by famous scholars and celebrities from Quanzhou throughout the ages, and is rich in cultural connotations.
The main hall, called the " Wucheng Hall , " is dedicated to Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms period and Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty. It is three bays wide and five bays deep, with a single-eaved, gabled roof and a through-beam timber frame. To the right is the " Sanyi Temple, " dedicated to Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, the three sworn brothers of the Peach Garden during the Three Kingdoms period, and to Zhuge Liang. To the left is the " Chongxian Hall , " dedicated to Guan Yu's ancestors for three generations.
Today, the three halls stand side by side, forming a symmetrical and magnificent temple complex with a total construction area of 1,294 square meters. The restored halls are exquisitely decorated with wood, stone, and clay carvings, and feature porcelain-cut dragon carvings on the roofs in various shapes, interspersed with flowers, birds, and animals, reflecting the artistic style of ancient southern Fujian architecture.
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Tonghuai Guanyue Temple is an important religious site dedicated to Guanyue, a revered figure in Chinese folklore. It holds cultural significance as a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and bravery, and is an essential destination for those interested in Chinese history and Buddhism.
The temple is located in Quanzhou, Fujian. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public transportation options may include buses that stop near the temple, but walking is necessary for access to the temple grounds after getting off the bus.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful, reflective experience.
The entrance fee is typically around 10-20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple. There is no online ticketing option available.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for the temple. However, for large group visits or special events, it’s recommended to contact the temple in advance for arrangements.
You can explore the temple in about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend appreciating the architecture, participating in the religious practices, and exploring the surrounding grounds.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some tour guides may offer limited English explanations, but audio guides are not commonly provided at this temple.
Start your visit by entering through the main gate and walking towards the main hall to view the Guanyue statue. Then, explore the surrounding courtyards and gardens. Finally, take some time to visit the smaller temples and admire the architectural details and religious artifacts.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Tonghuai Guanyue Temple. It is best to visit during daylight hours when the temple and its surroundings can be fully appreciated.
The temple can be crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially in the off-peak seasons (spring or autumn).
The temple provides basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no large food stalls or restaurants within the temple grounds, so it is recommended to bring water or snacks. Souvenir shops may be available for small items like religious artifacts or local crafts.
The temple grounds are accessible, but some areas, especially around the courtyards, may involve stairs or uneven surfaces. Elderly and disabled visitors should be cautious, but the main hall and surrounding areas are generally accessible for children and families.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards are generally not accepted.
There are no major restaurants inside the temple, but nearby Quanzhou offers a variety of local eateries serving Fujianese cuisine, including seafood, rice dishes, and local snacks.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, particularly in the more tourist-oriented areas. Halal food options may be limited, but vegetarian dishes can serve as alternatives.
Several hotels are available in Quanzhou city center, around a 20-minute drive from the temple. Options range from budget hotels to mid-range accommodations offering convenient access to the temple.
Small souvenir shops near the temple offer religious artifacts, statues, incense, and other local crafts. Typical souvenirs include images of Guanyue, temple-related items, and small trinkets.
