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Visit the ancient Kaifu Temple to experience its tranquil atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful architecture. Explore the temple's serene gardens and admire the intricate carvings. If you're interested in Buddhism, attend a monk ceremony or prayer session for a deeper cultural experience.
Kaifu Temple, founded during the Five Dynasties period, boasts a history of over 1,000 years. It is one of China's key open-access Buddhist temples and a renowned monastery of the Yangqi School of the Linji School of Zen Buddhism. It covers an area of 48,000 square meters, with a building area of 16,000 square meters. The existing buildings were primarily rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, and the entire temple is predominantly designed in the palace-style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main buildings of Kaifu Temple are its three main halls. The front hall is the Maitreya Hall, also known as the Three Saints Hall; the central hall is the 20-meter-high Main Hall; and the rear hall is the Vairocana Hall. "Yam-mouth" is a Buddhist ritual widely practiced in China. The music used in this ritual is complex and rigorous, a complex Buddhist music suite that integrates praises, verses, mantras, and instrumental music, with a distinct plot.
Suitable for all seasons;
It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with distinct four seasons, hot and rainy summers and warm and humid winters.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Famous attractions: Huibu Bridge, Shecha Pavilion, Qingtai Bridge, Stupa, etc.
10 yuan/person
7:00-17:00
Kaifu Temple, located in Changsha, is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Hunan. It was established during the Tang Dynasty and has played a key role in the region’s Buddhist culture. The temple is dedicated to various Buddhist deities and is known for its historical and cultural importance in the area.
Kaifu Temple is located in Kaifu District, Changsha. You can easily reach the temple by taxi or bus from the city center. The closest metro station is “Kaifu Temple Station” on Line 2, which is about a 10-minute walk to the temple.
Kaifu Temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is in the morning when the temple is less crowded and the atmosphere is peaceful. Early spring and autumn offer mild weather, making them ideal seasons for visiting.
The entrance fee for Kaifu Temple is around 10-20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. There are no online booking options available at this time.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for Kaifu Temple. Simply purchase your ticket at the entrance on the day of your visit.
To fully explore Kaifu Temple and its surroundings, plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours. This allows time to admire the architecture, stroll through the gardens, and experience the peaceful ambiance.
The must-see highlights include the main hall (Daxiong Baodian), the serene gardens, and the ancient Buddhist sculptures and carvings. The temple's large bell and the prayer halls are also significant features worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may offer a limited English-speaking guide. Audio guides are also available, but they are typically only in Chinese.
The best photography spots include the main hall with its intricate architecture, the peaceful temple gardens, and the large bell, which provides a unique perspective of the temple’s surroundings.
Start by entering the temple’s main hall, where you can admire the Buddha statues and carvings. Then, take a leisurely walk through the temple gardens, and don’t miss the large bell and prayer halls. You can end your visit by sitting in one of the tranquil spots to meditate or reflect.
Kaifu Temple does not offer night visits or light shows. The temple is mainly visited during the day, and its serene atmosphere is best experienced in the morning or early afternoon.
Kaifu Temple can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early in the morning, especially on weekdays or during the off-season (winter and early spring).
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are also small shops selling religious items, incense, and souvenirs. However, there are no large food or dining facilities within the temple grounds.
Kaifu Temple is mostly accessible for elderly and children, though some areas with steps may be difficult for visitors with mobility challenges. There are paved paths and ramps, but you may need assistance for some areas.
Cash is still commonly used at Kaifu Temple, although mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted for ticket purchases and souvenir shops.
There are no restaurants within the temple, but you can find various dining options in the nearby area, including local Chinese eateries and cafes in the Kaifu District.
Vegetarian food is commonly found in the surrounding areas. While specific vegan or halal options are not widely available in the immediate vicinity, the nearby restaurants in the city center offer a broader range of options.
There are several hotels in the Kaifu District and city center of Changsha, including options like the Hunan Hotel and Changsha Marriott, which are within a short drive from the temple.
Nearby attractions include Yuelu Mountain, the Hunan Provincial Museum, and Orange Island, all of which can be visited in a single day trip around Changsha.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling items like incense, Buddha statues, prayer beads, and traditional Chinese crafts. You can also find postcards and religious artifacts.
After visiting Kaifu Temple, you can take a taxi, use public transportation like buses or the metro (Kaifu Temple Station), or walk to nearby attractions in Changsha, such as Yuelu Mountain and the Hunan Museum.
