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Visit the Yuanrong Temple to experience its serene atmosphere, explore the ancient architecture, and learn about the religious and cultural significance of the temple. Enjoy peaceful walks in the temple grounds and admire the beautiful statues and artwork inside.
Yuanrong Temple, officially Yuanrong Wuai Zen Temple, is located in Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City. Founded in the seventh year of the Yonghe reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty ( 351 AD), it is the ancestral temple of the Korean Yuanrong sect and was once a temple sponsored by the Northern Qi imperial court. The phrase " Yuanrong " (Yuanrong) means " breaking through prejudice and achieving complete harmony , " and " Wuai " (Wuai) means " free from worries and unhindered in action . " It is the only thousand-year-old Buddhist temple in the Central Plains, facing west and surrounded by mountains.
Yuanrong Temple comprises eleven courtyards, housing nineteen halls, two pagoda courtyards, seven halls, two courtyards, a pavilion, and seventeen springs. Within the temple, you can see numerous cultural relics from various dynasties, including a 250- centimeter-tall Sui Dynasty sandstone seated Vairocana Buddha, a Ming Dynasty white jade seated Pitaka Buddha, a seven-story Tang Dynasty white jade pagoda, Tang Dynasty lions, stone tigers, and stone statues, a Ming Dynasty white jade horse, an altar, and a Manjusri statue, and Qing Dynasty water animals.
The temple boasts hundreds of exotic flowers and plants, and dozens of centuries-old trees, including a 350-year-old persimmon tree and a 320-year-old Sophora japonica. Seeing these centuries-old trees still lush and green is a marvel of their vitality. Standing tall, they seem to tell the story of the millennia-old temple's vicissitudes and legends.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
free
Summer : 8:00-18:30
Winter : 8:00-17:30
The Yuanrong Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Jiaozuo, Henan, with a history dating back to the Tang dynasty. It is an important site for Buddhist worship and is known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural artifacts.
The temple is located in Jiaozuo, Henan. You can get there by taxi or private car from the city center. Public buses may also be available, but check local routes for the best option.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings and weekdays are the best times to visit, as it tends to be less crowded.
The entrance fee is low, and tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance. There is no need to book tickets online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. You can purchase tickets at the entrance upon arrival.
You will need approximately 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple, depending on your interest in the exhibits and your pace of exploration.
The main highlights include the main hall with Buddhist statues, the peaceful courtyards, and the intricate carvings on the temple’s walls. The temple’s historical relics and artwork are also must-sees.
Guided tours are available, typically in Chinese. Audio guides may be available in Chinese, but it's best to check with the temple beforehand if you require one in a foreign language.
The best photography spots are around the main hall and courtyard, where you can capture the temple’s architecture and serene surroundings. The intricate carvings and statues provide beautiful shots as well.
Start by exploring the main hall, then move through the courtyards to see the various Buddha statues. End with a visit to the surrounding gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The temple is best visited during the day to fully appreciate its cultural and spiritual ambiance.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the mornings.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There are no food or drink options inside the temple, so it’s best to bring your own water or snacks.
The temple is generally accessible to elderly and disabled visitors. However, some areas may involve stairs or uneven ground, so it’s advisable to check ahead for specific accessibility needs.
