Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺)
Quanzhou's grand Buddhist temple with twin pagodas, a Hindu-inspired stone pillar, and centuries of multicultural history.
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Cost
Free
Hours
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Booking
No booking needed
Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺) is Quanzhou's largest Buddhist temple, founded in 686 AD. The temple complex features twin pagodas, a Mahavira Hall, and a remarkable Hindu-inspired stone pillar that reflects Quanzhou's multicultural heritage.
Highlights
Twin Pagodas (东西塔) — Two 40-meter stone pagodas dating to the 13th century, among the oldest stone pagodas in southern China.
Hindu-inspired Pillar — A stone pillar with Indian-style carvings, evidence of the Hindu community that once thrived in Quanzhou.
Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿) — The main worship hall with ancient Buddhist statues and painted ceilings.
Free entry. Walking distance from the old town.
Practical tips
- The twin pagodas are best photographed from the temple courtyard. The Hindu-inspired pillar shows Quanzhou's diverse history.