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Explore the main temple hall, admire the ancient Buddhist statues, and take a peaceful walk around the temple grounds. The surrounding landscape offers great views for nature lovers. Don’t miss the chance to meditate in the serene environment.
Located west of the Sipailou in Lujiang County, Vajra Temple was built in 898 AD, the first year of the Guanghua reign of the Tang Dynasty, hence its original name, Guanghua Temple. It was rebuilt from the residence of Yang Xingmi, the governor of Huainan and the Prince of Wu. Because of the Vajra Courtyard within the temple, the name was later changed to Vajra Temple. After the temple's completion, the Prince of Wu, impressed by the Zen Master Fuhu's fame, appointed him as its first abbot.
Today, the main hall of the Vajra Temple stands 15 meters high and 20 meters wide, covering an area of 450 square meters. It is truly majestic and magnificent, with a simple and elegant style and a sense of grandeur. Three large Buddha statues are enshrined in the main hall, while the Eighteen Arhats of the Temple are enshrined to the east and west. Behind the hall stands a reclining white marble statue of Sakyamuni Buddha imported from Myanmar, weighing over 9 tons and truly a rare Buddha and treasure.
Currently, the temple houses 52 large Buddha statues, all carved from precious wood and adorned with pure gold, each one vividly rendered and shimmering with brilliance. Two 4-meter-tall rotating Buddha lamps adorn the main hall, creating a dazzling spectacle of precious jewels. Particularly valuable are the pair of large bells and drums flanking the hall. These round, leather-covered drums, 140 cm in diameter, are imposing, their sound resonating through the roof tiles. The bells, made of red copper (with silver), weigh over 2 tons and custom-made in Suzhou, cost 150,000 yuan. Their resonant, melodious tone is truly a rare treasure of the temple. The temple also boasts a newly dredged ancient well, approximately 30 square meters in size, providing drinking water for hundreds of people. The water is clear and sweet. Originally dug in the first month of the 48th year of the Qianlong reign (see inscription on the well curb), it is a true treasure and testament to the temple's prosperity during the Qing Dynasty.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Vajra Temple is a quiet place in the bustling city, a good place to seek spiritual peace in the city. It is quite popular and suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to view the collections in the Vajra Temple, meditate and worship Buddha;
It is recommended to play for 1 hour.
free
Open all day
The Vajra Temple in Lujiang is an ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical importance. It has been a center for Buddhist worship for centuries and is known for its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere.
The Vajra Temple is located in Lujiang, a district in Anhui, Hefei. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car. Walking from nearby areas is also possible for those staying close by.
The temple is open throughout the year. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and experience the calm atmosphere.
The entrance fee is generally around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and advance booking is not required.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought on-site at the temple entrance.
A visit typically takes 1-2 hours. If you want to take time for meditation or photography, it may take longer.
The main highlights include the main temple hall, the pagoda, and the beautiful Buddha statues. The surrounding gardens are also peaceful and worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically available, but the staff is happy to provide information if needed.
The best viewpoints are from the upper levels of the pagoda and the surrounding gardens, which offer scenic views of the temple and landscape.
Start with a visit to the main temple hall, then take a walk around the gardens, and finish by visiting the pagoda for a panoramic view of the area.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Vajra Temple, but it offers a peaceful atmosphere during the day, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
The temple is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and holidays can get busy, so early visits are recommended.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are no food vendors or shops within the temple, but small local restaurants can be found nearby.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may have uneven surfaces. Disabled visitors may find certain parts of the temple difficult to access due to the terrain.
Cash is preferred for ticket purchases and donations. Mobile payments are not commonly accepted, so it’s advisable to carry cash.
There are no restaurants within the temple, but nearby local eateries offer traditional Anhui cuisine, including simple vegetarian meals.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, though halal food may be harder to find in this area. It’s best to check menus in advance.
There are several hotels near Hefei city center, which is a short drive from the temple. Options range from budget to mid-range accommodations.
Nearby attractions include Baohe Park, Swan Lake, and the Anhui Provincial Museum. These can be easily combined for a day trip in Hefei.
There are no souvenir shops within the temple, but nearby areas sell Buddhist-related items like statues, incense, and prayer beads.
Taxi or public transportation (buses) are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the temple. Hefei’s public transport network is well-connected to other landmarks.
