Overview:

:The Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple in Fujian Province of China is an important Buddhist temple that exists since the 7th century. It is built at the foothill of the famous Wangshan Mountain in Quanzhou and is called the "first Buddhist temple of Fujian". It is one of the largest and oldest temples in the province and is renowned for its architecture and gardens. The temple covers an area of 20.7 hectares, and includes more than 30 structures, such as halls, pavilions, towers, and stately courtyards. The temple is a popular tourist destination and has been rated as a "4A" tourist spot by the national government. Inside the temple, visitors can view many Buddhist statues including the famous Mayan Buddha, a statue of Avalokiteshvara, and various other religious figures. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience various Buddhist ceremonies, such as chanting sutras held by monks, and worshipping and praying for blessings and good luck. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Stone carvings of temple guardians that line the gate arch. 2. Three large, octagonal main halls that are connected by a three-tier corridor, each with a different purpose. 3. Forty-eight stone pillars decorated with intricate carvings, that line the courtyard. 4. Large paved courtyard that holds several ancient structures including several pavilions and a waterfall. 5. Rear Hall or the Monastic Archive Hall, where the "Collection of Monaseries and Monastics of Kaiyuan" is stored. 6. Colorful statues of Buddhist deities and legendary figures from Chinese history. 7. Old trees that are part of the temple complex, some of which have stood for more than 1000 years. 8. Bell tower at the entrance of the temple, which signals when ceremonies and events take place. 9. Pagodas and statues of animals and deities that line the entranceway. 10. A Dharma Hall to the east of the temple, where religious ceremonies are regularly conducted. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple is a landmark Buddhist temple of China located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. The temple was originally constructed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) by the monk Tan Zong (or Faxianzang), who was said to be sent on an imperial mission to India by the crown prince Li Zhiyu (Taizong’s son). Tan Zong built the Kaiyuan Temple on the east side of Quanzhou City and it has since grown over time to become one of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in the country. The temple now consists of numerous halls and pavilions, housing a large collection of statues and Buddhist artifacts. Throughout its history the Kaiyuan Temple has been the subject of many renovation projects, most notably during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), when major components of the temple were reconstructed and expanded in size. During this period, the grounds of the temple were landscaped, the buildings were refurbished and a new bell tower was erected. At the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the temple was nationalized and opened to the public. Since then, the temple has been declared a protected national monument and remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world. It is also the venue for the popular Kaiyuan Festival, held annually to honor Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Fujian, China. 2. It is located in the heart of Quanzhou City and is the most representative of the traditional Chinese culture that has been inherited for thousands of years. 3. It was first constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and was finally completed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). 4. It is the largest and most complete wooden structure in Fujian, and it is also one of the earliest Buddhist temples in China. 5. The temple has been designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and received numerous awards and citations from the Chinese government. 6. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple is famous for its impressive architecture and the many exquisite sculptures of Bodhisattvas and deities, as well as its exquisite collection of Buddhist artifacts. 7. Some of the most famous are the ancient stone carvings in the temple’s ancient pagoda and the large sitting statue of the Amitabha Buddha. 8. The temple also houses an abundance of other Buddha statues, such as the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guan Yin, the Gold-Faced Maitreya Buddha and many other statues of various Buddhas. 9. In front of the temple, there is a large rock garden that was laid out during the Ming Dynasty and is considered the oldest rock garden in China. 10. Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple is open to the public and visitors are welcome to explore and admire its beautiful architecture, splendid sculptures and ancient artifacts. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era