Jiuhua Temple

Introducing Jiuhua Temple

Jiuhua Temple, formerly known as Sunjia'an and also known as Jingguan Temple, is located at No. 28 Xiaojiuhua Road, west of Dongpo Park, Yanling East Road, Changzhou City, covering an area of ​​3 acres and a construction area of ​​3,500 square meters.

It was first built in the 18th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1590). It was originally a family temple built by the Minister of Rites Sun Shenxing for his younger sister Jingxiu, so it was named Sunjia Temple. It was built in Nanyuan, south of the city. It was destroyed by war in the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty.

In September 1980, the temple was approved for public opening. In 1984, Chuanyi returned to the temple as abbot. He subsequently rebuilt the Guanyin Hall into a main hall, restored the mountain gate, remodeled the Buddha statues, and resumed normal Buddhist activities. Tianning Temple subsequently donated three jade Guanyin Buddha statues. After Chuanyi's passing in 1987, Dehua succeeded him as abbot. After Dehua's passing, Kuanjing, abbot of Guangzhou's Wuzhu Temple, took over as acting abbot. Due to the lack of development space around the original site, Jingguan Zen Temple was relocated to the former site of Xiaojiuhua Temple with the approval of the municipal government in April 2000. The groundbreaking ceremony of Jiuhua Zen Temple was held in November 2001. The construction lasted more than a year. New mountain gates, Main Hall, Three Saints Hall, Ten Thousand Buddhas Building, Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, guest hall, dining hall, Fayu Lecture Hall, Ganlu Vegetarian Hall, etc. were built. The ancient architectural style of the quadrangle with the Buddha Hall as the main body was completed in June 2003 and the name was changed to Jiuhua Zen Temple in May 2003.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Main Hall, Three Saints Hall, Ten Thousand Buddhas Building, Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Guest Hall, Dining Hall, Fayu Lecture Hall, etc.

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Jiuhua Temple

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Jiuhua Temple, located in Changzhou, Jiangsu, is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, particularly revered by followers of Chinese Buddhism. The temple has a rich history dating back over 1,500 years, known for its beautiful architecture and as a center of Buddhist teachings and meditation.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Jiuhua Temple is located in the southwestern part of Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car. There are also bus services from central Changzhou to the temple. For those staying in the city center, the best way to get there is by taxi, as public transport options may be limited.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Jiuhua Temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Jiuhua Temple is around 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local tourism websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons such as Chinese New Year and major public holidays. A few days in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Visitors typically need around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore Jiuhua Temple and its surrounding areas. If you plan to hike up the nearby mountain for additional views, allow for an extra hour or two.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The main hall and its intricate Buddhist statues.
• The serene gardens and pagodas offering scenic views.
• The various temples and prayer halls scattered around the site.
• The view from the mountain pagoda, which offers a panoramic look at the temple and surrounding area.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may also be available, but it’s best to inquire at the entrance for availability.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The pagoda at the top of the mountain offers a stunning view of the entire temple complex and the surrounding landscape.
• The main courtyard with the large Buddha statue is perfect for capturing the essence of the temple.
• The peaceful gardens provide an ideal backdrop for tranquil nature shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the main hall and courtyards. Then, walk around the gardens and small temples before heading up to the mountain pagoda for a panoramic view of the area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and special light shows are not available at Jiuhua Temple, but the temple offers a serene atmosphere for early morning or late afternoon visits.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during Buddhist festivals. The best time to visit is on weekdays, preferably early in the morning, to avoid crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The temple has basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, and food stalls offering traditional Chinese snacks and beverages. There are also small souvenir shops selling Buddhist-themed items.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The temple grounds are mostly accessible to elderly visitors and children, with paved paths and ramps in some areas. However, some of the temple's mountainous trails may be difficult for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards are also commonly used. Cash is not necessary but can be used in some places.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several small local eateries and tea houses around Jiuhua Temple offering traditional Chinese dishes and tea. The nearby Changzhou city center also has more dining options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the temple’s nearby eateries, with many Buddhist-friendly dishes. Halal food options may be limited, and it’s best to check with the restaurant beforehand.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Holiday Inn Changzhou
• Wanda Realm Changzhou
• Local guesthouses near the temple for a more authentic experience

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• China Dinosaur Park
• Tianmu Lake
• Changzhou Museum

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are several souvenir shops selling items such as Buddhist statues, prayer beads, incense, and traditional Chinese crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxi, private car, or public bus are the best transportation options to continue your trip. The Changzhou Railway Station is about 30 minutes away by taxi, providing access to other parts of the city and beyond.