Kaiyuan Temple

What it is

Founded in 686 during the Tang dynasty and later renamed Kaiyuan Temple, this sprawling complex became the spiritual heart of Quanzhou, once the world's busiest port. Its two five-storey stone pagodas, the 48-metre East Pagoda and 44-metre West Pagoda, were built in the 13th century and are among the tallest ancient stone towers in China. Remarkably, they have withstood centuries of earthquakes and typhoons, a testament to Song-era engineering. The temple also preserves rare Hindu stone carvings, evidence of the city's cosmopolitan past.

Within the temple grounds, the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian) houses five gilded Buddha statues and is supported by 86 pillars, including two ancient Indian-style columns. The courtyard's ancient banyan trees and incense-filled air create a contemplative atmosphere. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China', Kaiyuan Temple offers a tangible link to the maritime trade that once connected China to the wider world. Our guides can bring these stories to life.

Highlights

• Twin Stone Pagodas — The East and West Pagodas, each with five tiers of intricate carvings, are Quanzhou's iconic landmarks and masterpieces of Song dynasty stone architecture.
• Mahavira Hall — The main hall's 86 pillars include two rare Indian columns, and its five Buddha statues are gilded and serene, offering a glimpse into Tang-era worship.
• Hindu Carvings — Scattered around the temple, these stones with Hindu deities and motifs reveal the deep cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road.
• Ancient Banyan Trees — Centuries-old banyans shade the courtyards, their aerial roots creating a tranquil, photogenic setting perfect for quiet reflection.
• Buddhist Library — The temple's sutra library holds precious scriptures, and though not always open to the public, our guide can share its significance.

How to get there

Kaiyuan Temple sits in the heart of Quanzhou's old city, easily reached by taxi or Didi from most hotels (¥10–20). Public buses like 2, 6, and 26 stop nearby. If arriving by high-speed rail, Quanzhou Station is a 20-minute taxi ride away. We recommend pairing it with a stroll through the adjacent West Street food area for a full day of culture and snacks.

Tickets & practical info

Entry is free, but you may need to show your passport for a free ticket. Opening hours are 8:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00). No advance booking is required for individuals, but groups should register. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted for donations or incense, and foreign cards can be linked to these apps for cashless payments.

Best time to visit

Visit early morning (8:00–9:30) to enjoy peaceful courtyards and soft light for photography, or late afternoon when the pagodas glow golden. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) offer mild weather, while summer can be hot and humid.

Tips from our guides

• Wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds are extensive and involve some stairs; dress modestly to respect the religious site.
• Climb the East Pagoda for panoramic views of Quanzhou's old city, but note it may close for maintenance—check with our guide.
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but avoid flash inside halls and never photograph monks without permission.
• Combine your visit with nearby West Street for local snacks like oyster omelette and rice dumplings; our guide can point you to the best stalls.
• Bring small change for incense offerings if you wish to participate; there's no pressure to donate.

FAQ