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Kaifu Temple, located at the southern foot of Dashu Mountain in the western suburbs of Hefei, Anhui Province, was the site of the Tang Dynasty Shu monk Huiman's great teachings. Kaifu Temple boasts a total construction area of 32,000 square meters, with key buildings including the mountain gate, mountain gate hall, bell and drum tower, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, and Sutra Library.
Kaifu Temple in Hefei was the place where Master Huiman, a Tang Dynasty monk from Shu, preached and spread the Dharma. According to historical records, Kaifu Temple was built before the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (626-649 AD), dating back approximately 1,400 years. Legend has it that Master Huiman performed the Lotus Sutra here, praying for rain and salvation for the people, and liberating the dragon spirits of the Yuanji River, leaving behind a legacy of Dharma propagation and benefiting sentient beings, a story praised for generations. During the Anti-Japanese War, Kaifu Temple was destroyed by Japanese aircraft.
The rebuilt Kaifu Temple has become the leading temple in central Anhui with its grand architectural scale, exquisite Buddha sculptures, fine Buddhist murals and architectural paintings, strong religious atmosphere, elegant garden art, and complete teaching facilities. It is the image representative and Dharma propagation center of Anhui Province, and a ten-direction temple that leads the public in cultivation.
The total construction area is 32,000 square meters, which can accommodate more than 100 resident monks, meeting the needs of believers from all walks of life for worshiping Buddha, making pilgrimages, and listening to Buddhist scriptures. It can also be used for pilgrims and tourists to visit and sightsee.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Kaifu Temple can accommodate more than 100 monks, meeting the needs of holding various large-scale Dharma assemblies and believers from all walks of life to worship Buddha, listen to scriptures and conduct cultural exchanges. It is also the first choice for citizens to visit and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Mountain Bell and Drum Tower, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Sutra Library, etc.
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
20 yuan/person
8:00-16:00
Kaifu Temple, one of Hefei’s oldest Buddhist temples, dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its historical and cultural importance, serving as a major center of Buddhist practice and a place for quiet contemplation. The temple is a symbol of Hefei’s rich religious heritage.
Kaifu Temple is located in the heart of Hefei. It can be accessed by taxi or bus. The nearest metro station is a short distance away, and visitors can also walk if staying nearby.
The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal to avoid crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere.
There is no entrance fee for Kaifu Temple, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are welcome and can be made onsite.
No need to book tickets in advance. Visitors can simply arrive and enter the temple directly.
You can explore Kaifu Temple in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend in the temple hall, garden, and reflecting areas.
Guided tours may be available by request, depending on the time of visit. Basic information is available in Chinese, and some staff may offer English assistance during tours.
The main prayer hall and the surrounding gardens offer excellent opportunities for photography. The gardens, especially during the early morning or evening light, provide a serene backdrop for photos.
Start by visiting the main hall to admire the Buddhist statues. Afterward, take a walk through the peaceful gardens. If interested in history, check out the temple’s small museum or interact with the monks.
No special night visits or light shows are offered at Kaifu Temple. The temple closes by 5:00 PM, and evening visits are not permitted.
Weekdays, particularly in the morning, tend to be less crowded. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times, so visiting during weekdays is ideal for a quieter experience.
The temple provides basic facilities like toilets and rest areas. There are no food or water stalls inside, but visitors can bring their own refreshments. A small gift shop may sell religious items and souvenirs.
Kaifu Temple is accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths throughout the temple. However, the temple's ancient structures may make it challenging for wheelchair access in certain areas.
Cash is generally accepted for donations, and mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also available for donations and small purchases.
There are no restaurants inside the temple, but several local eateries and cafes are nearby, offering traditional Anhui cuisine and refreshments.
Yes, nearby restaurants offer vegetarian options, including Buddhist vegetarian dishes. Vegan and halal options are also available in select restaurants in the area.
The temple has a small shop selling religious items, such as incense, statues, and Buddhist prayer beads. Local handicrafts and tea from Anhui may also be available nearby.
Taxis and buses are readily available from Kaifu Temple to other parts of Hefei. The city’s metro system is also a convenient option for further travel.
