Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple: A Spiritual Sanctuary of Buddhist Art on the Maritime Silk Road

Kaiyuan Temple was established during the Tang Dynasty's Chuigong era (686 AD). Originally a mulberry garden owned by a wealthy merchant named Huang Shougong, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple after he reportedly dreamed of an auspicious vision of "white lotuses blooming on mulberry trees." This ancient temple is located on West Street in Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. Surrounded by natural guardians like Jiuri Mountain and Qingyuan Mountain, with Zimao Mountain extending from the west like a protective arm, the site forms a natural sanctuary for Buddhist practice. Its architectural techniques, religious art, and cultural integration highlight Quanzhou's unique position on the Maritime Silk Road.

Upon my first visit to Quanzhou, Kaiyuan Temple was the place I most wanted to see. As I approached the temple, I was immediately captivated by the two stone pagodas flanking its entrance. Their towering structures and intricate carvings made me forget the heat and fatigue. On the east side stands the "Zhenguo Pagoda," and on the west side, the "Renshou Pagoda." Both are granite pagodas rebuilt during the Southern Song Dynasty, featuring wooden-style structures, octagonal five-tiered designs, and exquisite carvings. These pagodas represent the pinnacle of Song Dynasty stone carving and architectural art. Outside the temple, the streets buzz with activity, but stepping through the temple gates, the noise is instantly replaced by a profound tranquility. A sense of unprecedented Zen serenity quietly seeps into the soul.

Nestled in the embrace of the surrounding mountains, Kaiyuan Temple has withstood the test of time for over a millennium. It remains a vibrant center of worship and a solemn landmark, serving as both the heart of Buddhist faith in Fujian and a significant cultural symbol of Quanzhou. The temple's architecture impresses with its grandeur while touching the heart with its intricate and ancient charm. Standing before the Ziyun Screen, one feels not only the beauty of Buddhist art but also a Zen philosophy of "screening without separation, awareness without obstruction," symbolizing that a pure and clear mind needs no concealment.

In the afternoon, I entered the main hall, the Mahavira Hall, which exudes solemnity and reverence. The Buddha statues gaze down with compassionate eyes, as if listening to the voices of all beings. The current structure of the hall, rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof supported by 86 stone columns. This "less than a hundred columns" design combines structural ingenuity with aesthetic appeal, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient architecture. Sunlight filters through the eaves, casting light between the stone columns. Wooden carvings of celestial musicians seem to dance lightly on the beams, their melodies echoing faintly in the air. Amid the Zen ambiance, one perceives the essence of existence, and in the intricate details, one hears the quiet voice of the self.

Post by 悦冬 | Aug 3, 2025