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Yuetan Temple is located at No. 21 Tongcheng Road in Hefei. According to the Hefei County Chronicles, "Yuetan Temple, located inside the south gate, was rebuilt in the 45th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1706). There is an inscription by Huang Jihui, a local resident, and old records indicate it was built in the Tang Dynasty." Originally a large Buddhist temple, it faced south and faced what is now Tongcheng Road to the east. It consisted of a mountain gate, a main hall, a Guanyin Hall, and monastic quarters. Once inside the mountain gate, there were four rooms.
Yuetan Nunnery was originally a large Buddhist nunnery, facing south and eastward from what is now Tongcheng Road. It consisted of a mountain gate, a main hall, a Guanyin Hall, and monastic quarters. The first, with four rooms, housed the two generals Heng and Ha; the second, with six rooms, housed the three large Buddhas Shakyamuni, Medicine Master, and Amitabha; the third, with six rooms, housed the three Bodhisattvas Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra; and the fourth, with four rooms, housed the monastic quarters, each with side rooms, totaling over thirty brick and wood structures with tiled floors. Later, it was gradually destroyed. The mountain gate and main hall were converted into residential buildings, and the bells, drums, and inscriptions on the stele were destroyed. Many monks and nuns, including Confucius, Tang, Shen, and Zhu, passed away one after another, and the monastic quarters were demolished. Only the two rooms of the Guanyin Hall remain, housing a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. It is currently presided over by the nun Jiehui. The nunnery's entrance now faces east. The black lacquered door is inlaid with a copper ring and inscribed with a golden couplet, which still gleams. In front of the door, there is a couplet with full of Zen rhythm - "The moonlight is bright and the Zen mind is quiet, the reflection of the pool is clear and the colors are empty", which makes scholars and literati stop and recite it, creating a unique scenery.
Before liberation, the nunnery was a vibrant haunt. Later, it was gradually destroyed, with the main gate and main hall converted into residential buildings, and the bells, drums, and inscriptions destroyed. Many monks and nuns, including Confucius, Tang, Shen, and Zhu, passed away, and the monasteries were demolished. Only two Guanyin Halls remain, housing a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. It is currently presided over by the nun Jiehui. When Yuetan Nunnery was first built, it was located on the outskirts of the city. Back then, the area was lush with bamboo forests, verdant grass, and rippling waters, rarely visited. Its most beautiful scene was when the moon was high, its light reflecting off the lake's reflections, creating a vivid rendition of a secluded Zen paradise where "birds roost in the trees by the pond, and monks knock on the door beneath the moon."
Subtropical monsoon climate; Yuetan Temple is small but well-known, with a constant flow of pilgrims, making it a suitable place to visit in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
free
9:00-17:00
Yuetan Nunnery has been an important religious site in Anhui for centuries, known for its Buddhist teachings and as a spiritual retreat. It holds cultural significance as a place of worship, meditation, and pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike.
The Yuetan Nunnery is located in Hefei, Anhui. You can reach it by taking a taxi from downtown Hefei or using the local bus network. There are also metro connections available, with the nearest station being a short walk away.
The nunnery is typically open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the site is less crowded, allowing for a peaceful experience.
Entry to Yuetan Nunnery is free, though donations are welcome. No ticket is required for general visits, but special events may have separate fees. Donations can be made on-site.
No booking is required for regular visits to the nunnery, as it is open to the public without reservations. For special events or ceremonies, it is advisable to check ahead and book at least a few days in advance.
A visit to the Yuetan Nunnery typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the religious and cultural aspects of the site.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages, including English, may not be available, so it is advisable to explore the site at your own pace or with a local guide.
Start with the main entrance, exploring the central hall, followed by a stroll through the surrounding gardens. End with a visit to the smaller temples and shrines to fully experience the tranquility of the nunnery.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yuetan Nunnery. The site is generally visited during daylight hours for a peaceful experience.
The nunnery is less crowded during weekdays, especially in the mornings. Weekends and religious holidays can be busier, so visiting early in the morning on a weekday is ideal for a quiet experience.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets and a small rest area. Food and water can be purchased outside the nunnery, as there are no dedicated food services inside. There are no souvenir shops on-site.
The nunnery is fairly accessible for elderly visitors and children, with smooth pathways and a peaceful environment. However, certain parts of the site may have uneven terrain, so it's advisable for disabled visitors to check accessibility in advance.
Cash is not required, as mobile payment methods (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted for donations and any purchases at the nunnery.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby restaurants, as the area offers a variety of plant-based dishes. Halal food options may be limited in the vicinity.
There are no souvenir shops within the nunnery, but you can find local handicrafts, tea, and Buddhist items in nearby markets and shops in Hefei.
