Ji'an Jingju Temple

Introducing Ji'an Jingju Temple

Jingju Temple, located in Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province, was originally named Anyin Temple and built in the first year of the Tang Dynasty's Shenlong reign (705). Later, Emperor Huizong of Song bestowed the name "Jingju Temple." Founded by Master Xingsi, a disciple of the Sixth Patriarch of the Southern School of Buddhism, Jingju Temple is the ancestral temple of the Qingyuan School of Zen Buddhism, from which the Caodong, Yunmen, and Fayan schools branched out, with influence extending as far as Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Legend has it that Monk Jianzhen, after being blocked during his fifth voyage to the East, returned to Jingju Temple and took many prominent Caodong monks with him to Japan, thus establishing the Caodong school's legacy in Japan. Jingju Temple underwent several ups and downs before being restored by the monk Master Gong in the ninth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. In the late Ming Dynasty, many officials, unwilling to surrender to the Qing, shaved their heads and became monks, including Fang Yiru, who was later invited by Yu Zao, the magistrate of Luling, to preside over Jingju Temple.

Jingju Temple boasts three main gates. The first is a red pavilion on the roadside of the Qingyuan Mountain Scenic Area. The second serves as the "ancestral gate." The third, a small, screen-like hill, curves around and serves as the actual main gate. The temple is flanked by an elephant on the left, a lion on the right, and a statue of An Yin behind and a minister in front. The entire temple faces southeast and northwest, covering an area of ​​over 20 mu. It boasts a three-bay, three-story, double-eaved structure with a hip roof and brick-and-wood structure, embodying the typical courtyard style of a Jiangnan water village.

Climate and best time to travel

With a subtropical monsoon humid climate, Jingju Temple has a quiet environment and beautiful scenery, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

There are buildings such as Vajra Hall, Main Hall, Vimalakirti Pavilion, Ksitigarbha Hall, Buddha Chanting Hall, Sutra Library and Medicine Tree Hall in Jingju Temple.

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

08:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Ji'an Jingju Temple

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

Jingju Temple was first founded in the year 705 during the Tang dynasty by Chan (Zen) master Qingyuan Xingsi, under the name Anyin Temple. In 1104 in the Song dynasty it was renamed “Jingju Temple”. The temple has been a major site of Chan Buddhism and is designated a “National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area”. It stands on Mount Qingyuan, in Qingyuan District of Ji’an, Jiangxi – the mountain and temple are culturally important for the region and Chinese Buddhism.

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

The temple is located on Mount Qingyuan (青原山), Qingyuan District, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province, China (approximate coordinates 27.0636 N, 115.0595 E). To get there: you can take a taxi or ride-hail from Ji’an city centre; local bus services may run towards Qingyuan District/Mount Qingyuan – check the city’s bus network. From the bus/taxi drop-off one must walk up the mountain path to the temple complex.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

I did not locate a reliable published set of opening hours. Generally temple grounds in China open in the morning (e.g., ~8:00) until evening (perhaps ~17:00-18:00) but you should verify locally. The best times to visit are early in the morning (to enjoy the calm atmosphere) or late afternoon when the light is softer and the mountain setting is quieter.

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

No specific entrance fee information was found in publicly-accessible sources for the Jingju Temple itself. It may be free or have a nominal fee for the mountain/temple complex; if a ticket is required, it will likely be available onsite (offline) at the ticket counter.

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

Given the absence of clear ticket-booking information, and the fact this is a historical temple rather than a major modern commercial theme park, booking in advance is likely *not* required. Arriving on the day is usually acceptable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours to explore the temple complex thoroughly — including walking the paths, entering the major halls, viewing the pagoda and appreciating the mountain setting. If you plan to hike further up Mount Qingyuan or linger, budget 3 + hours.

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

• The Mahavira Hall (main Buddha hall) of the temple, with its statues and architecture.
• The Pilu Hall (Pīlù Hall) dedicated to Vairocana (Pillū‐Buddha) behind the main hall.
• The “Pagoda of the Seventh Patriarch” — a granite five-storey, five-side pagoda from Tang dynasty era, on the temple grounds.
• The serene forested mountain setting of Mount Qingyuan itself, providing context, views and atmosphere.

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

I did *not* find specific information about organised guided tours or audio guides for Jingju Temple in English or other languages. Most visitors explore the site independently and may hire a local guide if desired.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Good photography spots include: the frontal view of the main temple gates/halls with mountain backdrop; the Pagoda of the Seventh Patriarch seen against the trees; and viewpoints along the walking paths on Mount Qingyuan overlooking Ji’an city or the temple roof-scape. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the stone and wooden architecture.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the base entrance/temple gates, pass through the Shanmen (mountain gate), proceed to the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, then the Mahavira Hall. Afterwards move to the Pilu Hall behind it. From there go to the Pagoda of the Seventh Patriarch. Then wander the adjacent paths on Mount Qingyuan for forest, views and quiet reflection, before descending and exiting.

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

I found no reliable information indicating night-time light shows or special tours at Jingju Temple. Being a temple on a mountain, it’s advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and full appreciation.

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

As a lesser-visited historic temple compared to major tourist attractions, Jingju Temple is likely *less crowded* than large theme-parks or crowded scenic spots. To enjoy a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning outside of Chinese national holidays. Avoid peak holiday periods (e.g., Chinese New Year, Golden Week).

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

While specific facility listings are limited, as a temple/tourist site you can expect basic amenities such as toilets, benches or resting areas near the halls. There may be small shops or stalls near the entrance for water or snacks, but don’t count on large dining-facilities. It’s advisable to bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks.

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

Access to the main halls should be feasible for the elderly and children, though the temple is situated on a mountain which may involve slopes or steps along the path. Visitors with strong mobility restrictions or wheelchair use may find the mountain terrain challenging; check onsite for ramps or alternative paths.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Given many Chinese tourist sites accept mobile payments such as WeChat Pay or Alipay, it’s likely these are accepted for any onsite purchases (snacks, donations, souvenirs). If you bring cash it’s prudent especially for small vendors; but major payments for admission (if any) are likely mobile/card friendly.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the temple complex there may only be modest snack stalls; in the nearby area of Qingyuan District / Ji’an city you will find local restaurants and cafés serving regional Jiangxi cuisine. It’s best to dine in the city centre before or after your temple visit.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

As a Buddhist temple, there *may* be vegetarian options offered at temple-canteen style eateries (though not guaranteed). In the city of Ji’an you can also look for vegetarian restaurants. Halal food options may be more limited; you may need to ask locally.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Ji’an city has a variety of hotels and guest-houses. Staying in or near Qingyuan District will put you in close proximity to the temple. Select a hotel in the mountain-area or city side depending on your preference for views or convenience.

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

Yes — you can combine Jingju Temple with:

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Near the temple entrance you may find small stalls or shops selling Buddhist souvenirs (prayer beads, small statues, incense, postcards) as well as local specialty products of Ji’an or Jiangxi Province.

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

After your temple visit you can take taxi or ride-hail back to Ji’an city centre, or local bus if available. From Ji’an you can take trains or buses to other regional destinations in Jiangxi Province. If you have a private car or rental, you can continue exploring the surrounding mountains or scenic areas.