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Visit the main hall to admire the Buddhist statues, stroll through the peaceful temple grounds, and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. It’s also a great place to meditate and reflect in a serene environment.
Located in the heart of Kaifeng City, northeast of Baogong Lake, this temple was once one of Kaifeng's largest. Construction began in 1233, the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Yuan Dynasty. Originally named Chongyang Temple, it commemorates Wang Zhe, the founder of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, who preached and ascended to heaven here. The Jade Emperor Pavilion is the temple's main structure, a three-story, approximately 16-meter-tall brick structure imitating a wooden structure. Its roof, ingeniously designed and uniquely shaped, features a Mongolian yurt-like design. A statue of the Jade Emperor is enshrined in an octagonal pavilion on the top floor.
The Sanqing Hall is a sacred Taoist temple, covering an area of approximately 53 square meters. It enshrines the Three Pure Ones, the Three Pure Ones. In the center, the Jade Pure One Yuanshi Tianzun holds the spiritual energy of all things, resembling a flaming red sun, representing the beginning of life and symbolizing children in the family. Therefore, it is important to worship it when making wishes for children. To the left is the Taiqing Daode Tianzun, holding a treasure gourd. This homophonic meaning "good fortune and luck come together" means "double arrival of blessings and wealth." It governs the elders of the family and is therefore important to worship it when making wishes for parents. To the right is the Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, holding a "Ruyi" (Ruyi), symbolizing everything going well and everything going well. This symbolizes work, marriage, and career.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Kaifeng's underground palace, a tourist attraction, covers over 300 square meters and consists of three main areas: corridors, cloisters, and a central area. Entering the underground palace, following the Bagua formation, you can witness the overall lifting process of the Jade Emperor Pavilion, a brick-concrete structure and a nationally protected cultural relic, and appreciate its historical transformation from underground to above ground.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Yanqing Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is known for its architectural beauty and its role as a center for Buddhist teachings in the region. The temple is also a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace.
Yanqing Temple is located in Kaifeng, Henan Province. It can be accessed by taxi or local bus from Kaifeng's city center. Walking is possible if you're nearby, but public transport is more convenient for those coming from other parts of the city.
The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, especially in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance. There is no need to buy tickets online, as they are typically available on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can usually be purchased on the same day of the visit.
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the temple, including the main hall, the surrounding gardens, and any smaller shrines within the temple grounds.
The main hall, with its large Buddha statue, is a must-see. Also, don't miss the temple's beautiful gardens and the smaller shrines that dot the temple grounds.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Audio guides may also be offered in Mandarin and English, so it’s advisable to check in advance for availability.
The main hall and the surrounding gardens offer some of the best viewpoints for photography, capturing both the temple architecture and the natural beauty around it.
Start by visiting the main hall, then take a stroll through the garden area. Finish by exploring the smaller shrines and other quiet corners of the temple grounds.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special tours may be offered during certain Buddhist festivals or events, so it’s worth inquiring before visiting.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially in the off-season (autumn or winter).
The temple offers basic facilities such as restrooms and water fountains. There are small shops selling Buddhist items and local souvenirs, but food options inside the temple are limited.
The temple is accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved paths and stairs leading up to certain areas. However, some parts may be challenging for visitors with mobility impairments.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the temple. It’s recommended to carry cash just in case some vendors do not accept mobile payments.
There are small eateries nearby offering traditional Henan food. However, dining options within the temple grounds are limited.
Vegetarian food options are available in the surrounding area, as Kaifeng is known for its vegetarian-friendly cuisine. Vegan and halal options may be available in larger restaurants nearby.
There are several hotels and guesthouses close to the temple, ranging from budget to mid-range. Popular options include hotels in downtown Kaifeng or smaller inns closer to the temple.
Nearby attractions include the Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, Dragon Pavilion, and the Kaifeng Museum. These can be easily combined into a day trip from Yanqing Temple.
Souvenir shops are available near the temple, selling items such as Buddhist statues, incense, prayer beads, and traditional crafts. Local tea and other Henan specialties are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting Yanqing Temple, visitors can take a taxi, local bus, or rickshaw to nearby attractions or Kaifeng's city center. Public transportation options are available and easy to find.
