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Ganluyan Temple, located on the west bank of Jinhu Lake and west of the Changtan Mountain, is Taining's most renowned rock temple. Hidden within a deep red rock ravine, the temple's left edge resembles a gigantic "bell," while the right resembles a giant "drum." Nestled between these two rocks, Ganluyan Temple has earned the saying, "Drum on the right, bell on the left, the temple within," a description of its location. Three ancient pines, known as the "Welcoming Pines," stand before the rocks. A stone tablet in front of the mountain gate bears a poem inscribed by Zou Shu, a Jinshi (Jinshi) scholar from the Song Dynasty, praising Ganluyan: "The monastery is in mid-air, amidst layers of clouds and mountains; a thousand-foot waterfall cascades, cranes nestle among five pines; the morning bell rings, the Zen room darkens, the frosted forest crimson with leaves; from the cliff, looking back, I yearn for the peaks beyond." The poem praises the architectural features of Ganluyan Temple and the surrounding autumn scenery.
All of Ganlu Temple's pavilions and halls are built within Ganluyan Temple. Ganluyan is a natural cave hidden in a sheer cliff. This cave is enormous, reaching over 80 meters at its highest point, and over 20 meters wide and deep. In 1147, the 16th year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty, a wandering monk took a liking to the cave and sought financial support, planning to build a temple within it. Carpenters adapted the terrain, constructing a single-pillar structure supporting the ground. The resulting "Fir King" (approximately 30 meters tall, with a 3.38-meter-wide circumference) is the hallmark of Ganluyan Temple's famed "One Pillar Supporting the Sky" architecture.
Ganluyan Temple was first built in the 16th year of the Shaoxing reign of the Song Dynasty (1146 AD), making it over 850 years old. The cave is over 80 meters high, 30 meters deep and wide at the top, but only 10 meters wide at the bottom, forming an inverted triangle. The ancients turned this geographical disadvantage into an architectural advantage, employing a unique "one pillar planted in the ground, no tiles needed" structure. A single, thick pillar supports the four multi-story pavilions, without any tiles. The entire structure is constructed entirely of wood. The temple consists of the Upper Hall, the Mirage Pavilion, the Guanyin Pavilion, and the Nan'an Pavilion, connected by T-shaped arches, known in Japanese as "chagong," without nails. The exquisite craftsmanship and exquisite craftsmanship, with carved beams and painted rafters, create a unique architectural style. It is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, renowned both domestically and internationally. According to research, in the 12th century, the renowned Japanese monk Chongyuan visited Fujian three times to study the architectural techniques of Ganluyan Temple. Upon his return, he rebuilt the world-famous Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara. The T-shaped arches used extensively in the Great Buddha Hall were modeled after those at Ganluyan Temple, earning them the nickname "Great Buddha Model." In the 1950s, Ganluyan Temple was designated a provincial-level cultural relic protection site.
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Ganluyan Temple.
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80 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Ganluyan Temple, established during the Tang Dynasty, is one of the region’s most important Buddhist temples. It has a rich history as a center of spiritual practice and education, offering insights into Buddhist traditions and Chinese temple architecture.
Ganluyan Temple is located in Sanming, Fujian Province. The most convenient way to reach the temple is by taxi or private car. There are no direct metro lines to the temple, but local buses may be available depending on the season.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings for a peaceful experience, or during Buddhist festivals for special events. Avoid weekends and holidays for fewer crowds.
The entrance fee is around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. Online booking options may be available during peak seasons.
Advance booking is not generally required. However, during peak seasons or special religious festivals, booking tickets a few days in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.
To fully explore Ganluyan Temple and its surrounding grounds, allocate 2 to 3 hours. This will allow time for walking the temple complex, visiting the halls, and exploring the natural beauty around the area.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Audio guides in Mandarin and English may also be available upon request. It’s advisable to check availability in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Start by entering the main prayer hall, where you can admire the temple’s architecture and offerings. Then, explore the surrounding gardens and natural trails. Finally, visit the relics and historical areas to learn more about the temple’s past.
Night visits are not typically available, and the temple does not offer light shows. Special tours may be available during religious festivals or specific ceremonial events, so it’s worth checking in advance if visiting during these times.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and religious holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The temple provides basic facilities, including public toilets and a few rest areas. There are small kiosks selling drinks and snacks near the entrance. No large restaurants or shops are located within the temple grounds, but they can be found nearby.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, including elderly and children, with paved paths and gentle slopes. However, some areas might have steps, making it more difficult for visitors with mobility issues. It is recommended to inquire about wheelchair access in advance.
Cash is still commonly used, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted at all places within the temple complex.
There are small local eateries and cafes around the temple, offering traditional Fujianese dishes. For more extensive dining options, head to Sanming’s city center.
Vegetarian food options are available, particularly near the temple, given its Buddhist context. Halal food options are limited, but some restaurants in Sanming may cater to halal diets.
There are a few hotels near the temple, ranging from budget options to more comfortable mid-range hotels. For more luxury choices, accommodations in the city center are available.
Small souvenir shops around the temple offer religious trinkets, Buddhist-themed items, incense, and locally crafted goods. Popular souvenirs include prayer beads, statues of Buddha, and incense burners.
For continuing your trip, taxis or local buses are recommended. Sanming’s main bus station and railway station are well-connected, making it easy to travel onward to other destinations in Fujian Province or beyond.
