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Visit the Wannian Zen Temple to experience its peaceful Buddhist atmosphere and architectural beauty. Take a walk around the temple grounds, meditate, or explore the various halls and shrines. The temple offers a great opportunity to reflect and learn about Chinese Zen Buddhism.
Wannian Zen Temple was first built in the first year of Emperor Taizu of Song, in 960 AD. It was here that Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong fled with their father as children, avoiding disaster and achieving a lasting imperial legacy. He felt that their escape from the perilous situation must have been due to the Buddha's protection. He therefore issued an order to build a Buddhist temple in Sanhe, offering incense and praying for a long-lasting foundation and a profound impact on the people. He personally inscribed the name "Wannian Zen Temple."
The temple is located in Banjiu Garden on South Street, nestled among lush pines, verdant bamboos, and surrounded by a river, a sacred sanctuary. Over the centuries, it has been repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed, and alongside Erlong Street and Huangshuijing, it bears witness to the vicissitudes of time and war. Wannian Temple, affiliated with the Tiantai Lower Temple of Mount Jiuhua, complements the numerous tourist attractions in Sanhe, becoming a sacred site for worship and a delightful destination for tourists. The Wannian Temple restoration project, undertaken by Master Hongxue, abbot of the Tiantai Lower Temple of Mount Jiuhua, covers an area of 30 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and comprises the Main Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Sutra Library, Guanyin Hall, Heavenly King Hall, an observation tower, and a temple square. Integrating tourism into the ancient town, the project aims to transform Wannian Temple into a sacred Buddhist cultural destination in Hefei.
The subtropical monsoon climate is influenced by the monsoon, with four distinct seasons. The Buddha's light shines everywhere in Wannian Zen Temple, the bell sounds distant, and the Buddha's compassionate boats bring peace and safety to all. It is a good place to travel here in all seasons to burn incense and worship Buddha.
It is recommended to visit the Heavenly King Hall, the Great Hall, the Sutra Library, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Patriarch Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Abbot's Room, the Dining Hall, the Laymen's Guest Room, the Pagoda and other temples.
It is recommended to play for 2 hours
free
Open all day
Wannian Zen Temple is a significant Buddhist temple located in Hefei, Anhui. It is known for its long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and its role in promoting Zen Buddhism in the region. The temple continues to serve as a center for spiritual practice and cultural heritage.
Wannian Zen Temple is located in Hefei, Anhui. You can reach it by taking a taxi or public bus from Hefei's city center. There is no direct metro connection, but local taxis are the most convenient option for reaching the temple.
The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and experience a serene environment. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee is typically affordable, but it may vary during peak seasons. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and in some cases, online platforms offer ticketing services for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except during national holidays or peak tourist seasons. If you prefer to secure your spot, booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended.
You will need about 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple, including time to visit the main halls, gardens, and smaller shrines. If you wish to meditate or participate in a ceremony, you may want to spend more time.
The main hall (Great Hall of the Buddha), the Zen garden, and the peaceful prayer halls are must-see areas. Don’t miss the serene atmosphere and the ancient statues that reflect the temple's history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may not be available, so if you don’t speak Chinese, it’s recommended to bring your own translator or use an online guide.
The best viewpoints are from the temple’s central courtyard and around the Zen garden. You can capture stunning photos of the architecture against the backdrop of nature. Early morning light offers the best photography conditions.
Start by entering through the main gate and visit the main hall first. Then explore the other shrines, walk through the gardens, and end your visit at the Zen garden. Make sure to take time to appreciate the calm surroundings.
There are no night visits or light shows at the temple. It is best visited during daylight hours for a more authentic experience of the spiritual environment.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as public toilets and rest areas are available. There are no large food courts or restaurants inside the temple grounds, but local eateries can be found nearby in Hefei city.
The temple has some uneven paths, which may be difficult for elderly visitors or those with mobility impairments. However, the main halls and some areas are accessible to children and elderly visitors with assistance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay or WeChat Pay) are widely used in Hefei. Credit cards may not be accepted at the temple.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the temple grounds. However, several local restaurants offering Chinese cuisine are available in the vicinity of Hefei city center.
Vegetarian options are common in local eateries around Hefei, with some offering vegan-friendly dishes. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in the city center.
There are a number of mid-range and budget hotels near Hefei city center, which is easily accessible from the temple. Many of these offer easy access to the temple and other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Hefei Botanical Garden and the Anhui Provincial Museum. These can be easily combined for a day trip in Hefei.
There are no souvenir shops within the temple itself, but in Hefei, you can find traditional Chinese tea, local handicrafts, and calligraphy as popular souvenirs.
After visiting the Wannian Zen Temple, taxis, buses, and the Hefei Railway Station are convenient for continuing your trip. Taxis are the most direct way to travel to other attractions in Hefei or nearby areas.
