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Zhongmiao, also known as Shengmu Temple and Zhongmiao, is 48 kilometers from downtown Chaohu. Anciently, it was called "Zhongmiao" because it was located between Chaozhou and Luzhou. It was known as "the most scenic spot between the lake and the sky." Due to its strong worship throughout the ages, it is often said that "Jiuhua in the south is Zhongmiao in the north." First built in the second year of the Chiwu reign of the Eastern Wu Dynasty, Zhongmiao has been repeatedly abandoned and renovated throughout the dynasties. Renovated in the first year of the Longji reign of the Later Tang Dynasty, the temple boasts "mandarin duck tiles interspersed with hollows, a breathtaking beauty." Further renovations in the second year of the Baoda reign of the Southern Tang Dynasty create six rows of 24 rooms. The statue of Taimu, with her "rosy face and lush eyebrows, stands in the treasure room and beside the incense altar." During the Yuan Dynasty, the temple base was arched into a bridge, called "Aobei Cave," and a temple was built above it. During the Qing Dynasty, the temple boasted "outstanding pavilions, worship halls, pavilions, and terraces." In the 15th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, Li Hongzhang initiated the reconstruction of the temple. It was divided into three halls: front, middle and back, with more than 70 rooms. The back hall has a three-story Sutra Pavilion with windows on eight sides, flying eaves on all four corners, and bells on every corner.
The Zhong Temple was first built in the early years of the Yuan Dynasty (1297) and rebuilt during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (1506-1521). At that time, it was a magnificent sight in Luzhou and was hailed as "the most beautiful place in the lake and sky." A poem reads: "High buildings stand on the lake on all sides, the setting sun wanders back and forth. A thousand sails fall as the mighty air swallows Wu and Chu, shadows moving across the galaxy for five nights. Luo Yin's poems remain in the water temple, while Bo Yang's immortal remains at the foot of the mountain. The vast sky sends the gaze of evening clouds, while the wind from the sky descends to the Phoenix Terrace on both sides." (The Zhong Temple is located on the site of the Phoenix Terrace.) Another poem reads: "The magnificent temple stands at the edge of the water, and visitors are surprised to see the gentle and beautiful one sitting at the gate. Beneath the fragrant forest grows a general tree, and along the path blooms only the flowers of the imperial daughter. Clear peaks rise from the distant horizon on all sides, a lake of autumn water immerses a floating raft, and below is a hazy mist, suggesting the home of the Jinting Taoist priest.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Sutra Library
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
10 yuan/person
08:00-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
Zhongmiao Temple, one of Hefei’s important historical Buddhist sites, dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is a cultural and religious hub, offering insights into the region's Buddhist practices. The temple is also revered for its ancient architectural features and beautiful surroundings.
Zhongmiao Temple is located in Hefei. It can be reached by taxi or bus, with several public transportation options available. Visitors can also walk if they are staying in the nearby areas.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
There is no entrance fee to visit Zhongmiao Temple, though visitors can make voluntary donations. These can be given at the temple during the visit.
Advance booking is not required for visiting the temple. Visitors can simply arrive and enter the site.
A visit to Zhongmiao Temple can typically be completed in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long visitors choose to spend in each area.
Guided tours may be available by request, and staff can provide some information in both Chinese and English. However, English-speaking guides are not always guaranteed.
The main prayer hall and the temple's tranquil gardens offer beautiful views for photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Start by visiting the main hall to appreciate the religious artifacts. Afterward, take a stroll through the gardens and finish by exploring the museum or relics area for more insight into the temple’s history.
There are no special night visits, light shows, or after-hours tours available at Zhongmiao Temple. It closes by 5:00 PM each day.
Weekdays, especially in the mornings, tend to be less crowded. Weekends and public holidays are more popular, so visiting on weekdays is ideal for a quieter experience.
Basic facilities, including toilets and resting areas, are available at the temple. There are no food or water stalls inside, so visitors should bring their own refreshments if needed. There is a small shop selling religious items and souvenirs.
The temple grounds are relatively accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved paths for walking. However, some areas may be challenging for wheelchair users due to the temple's ancient structures.
Cash is accepted for donations, and mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also available for donations and purchases at the gift shop.
While there are no cafes inside the temple, several local restaurants serving traditional Anhui cuisine are located nearby. Many options for tea and snacks can be found in the surrounding area.
Nearby restaurants offer vegetarian options, including Buddhist-style vegetarian dishes. Vegan and halal food may be available in certain establishments near the temple.
Inside the temple, there is a small gift shop that sells Buddhist-related souvenirs, such as incense, prayer beads, and statues. Local tea and handcrafted items are also available nearby.
Taxis and buses are easily accessible from Zhongmiao Temple. For visitors wishing to continue their trip, the Hefei metro system is also a convenient option for further travel.
