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Visit the main temple halls to admire the Buddhist statues and intricate carvings. Take a walk through the temple grounds to explore the peaceful courtyards and surrounding nature. Spend some time in reflection by the temple’s beautiful ponds or garden areas. Also, consider participating in a Buddhist ceremony or prayer session if available.
Kaihua Temple, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, is located on Sheli Mountain, approximately 2 kilometers northeast of Wangcun, Chenqu Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. Founded during the Tongguang period of the Later Tang Dynasty (5 Dynasties), it was originally named Qingliang Temple. After the construction of the Main Hall in the sixth year of the Xining reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, the temple was renamed "Kaihua Zen Temple," and has since been known as Kaihua Temple ever since.
Kaihua Temple is the temple's most valuable building, with the Main Hall as its principal structure. On January 6, 2017, the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences announced the latest archaeological findings from the Buddhist Pavilion site of Kaihua Temple at Mount Mengshan in Taiyuan. The findings, titled "The Mengshan Giant Buddha and Pavilion," are the largest cliff-carved Buddha statues and pavilions of the Northern Dynasties period in China. The Buddha is the second tallest Buddha in the world, and its carving is the earliest large-scale stone-carved Buddha statue in the world.
The Main Hall of Kaihua Temple is three bays deep and three bays wide, with a hip-and-gable roof and clad in blue-green tiles, setting a precedent for later Chinese-style wedge-shaped tiles. The painted patterns on the hall's beams and brackets, including ancient coin motifs, sea pomegranates, and dragon-tooth hyacinths, closely align with the painted motifs in the Song Dynasty's "Yingzaofashi," making it the most complete preserved Song Dynasty painted pattern in ancient Chinese architecture. The Song Dynasty murals in the Main Hall of the temple are particularly valuable, having been compiled by the Shanxi Ancient Architecture Protection Institute into a special volume titled "Kaihua Temple Song Dynasty Murals," which has been distributed domestically and internationally.
Suitable for all seasons, but best from May to October
1 hour
50 yuan
08:00-18:00 Need to contact the cultural relics protection officer
Kaihua Temple, located in Shanxi, has a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its significant role in the spread of Buddhism in the region. The temple is home to numerous statues and cultural relics that showcase the artistic development of Buddhist art over the centuries.
Kaihua Temple is located in the city of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. It can be accessed by taxi or local buses from the city center. It is not directly served by metro, but taxis are a convenient option to reach the temple.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding peak tourist crowds.
The entrance fee for Kaihua Temple is around 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. Online booking is generally not required unless visiting during major festivals or peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless you plan to visit during a major holiday. If you are visiting during peak tourist seasons, booking a few days ahead may help avoid long queues.
A visit to Kaihua Temple typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the temple grounds and admiring the artwork and sculptures.
The must-see highlights include the main prayer hall, where visitors can observe Buddhist rituals, and the ancient statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas. The peaceful gardens and the temple’s tranquil surroundings are also worth a visit.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English and Chinese can be rented at the entrance to enhance your experience while exploring the temple and its history.
The best viewpoints are around the temple's main courtyard and gardens. The surrounding landscape, including the lush trees and peaceful ponds, provides an excellent backdrop for photography.
Start by visiting the main prayer halls, then explore the central courtyard and the surrounding gardens. Take time to visit the Buddhist statues and spend a moment in the peaceful meditation areas. Finish your visit by walking around the temple grounds to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Kaihua Temple. The temple is best visited during the day to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and architectural beauty.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays, particularly in the early mornings or late afternoons, outside of major holidays.
The temple offers basic facilities such as toilets and water stations. There are small shops outside the temple selling souvenirs and religious items, but no major food services inside. It’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks.
The temple is mostly accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors, although there may be some uneven surfaces or steps in the temple area. It’s recommended to check accessibility upon arrival to ensure comfort during your visit.
Cash is accepted at the temple, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also widely used. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to buy souvenirs or offerings.
There are a few local restaurants nearby offering traditional Shanxi cuisine. For a wider variety of dining options, you can head to the city center of Taiyuan, where you will find many cafes and restaurants.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options are also available in the city center, though they may not be as common around the temple itself.
There are a few budget and mid-range hotels near the temple. For a wider range of accommodations, consider staying in the city center of Taiyuan, where there are numerous hotels, from budget to luxury options.
Nearby attractions include the Jinci Temple, the Shanxi Museum, and the Taiyuan Ancient City Wall. These sites can easily be combined into a day trip for a deeper cultural exploration of the area.
There are souvenir shops near the temple selling Buddhist statues, prayer beads, incense, and other religious artifacts. Local crafts and small religious items make for popular souvenirs.
After visiting Kaihua Temple, taxis or local buses are convenient options for getting around. The city center of Taiyuan is easily accessible by taxi, and other tourist attractions in the city can be reached by public transport or rental car.
