Kaihua Temple

Kaihua Temple is located on the mid-slope of Sheli Mountain in the central part of Chenqu Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, about 17 kilometers from Gaoping City. The temple was founded in the second year of Wuping of the Northern Qi Dynasty (571 AD) and was originally named Qingliang Temple. In the eighth year of Tiansheng of the Northern Song Dynasty (1030 AD), Emperor Renzong of Song issued an edict to rename the original 'Qingliang Temple' to 'Kaihua Zen Temple'. The temple faces south with a two-courtyard layout. In front of the temple is a two-story pavilion-style mountain gate (Great Compassion Pavilion), with bell and drum towers on both sides. Entering the mountain gate, the main hall is the Mahavira Hall, with side rooms on both sides. The main hall in the rear courtyard is the Dharma Hall, with the Three Great Bodhisattvas Hall on the east side and the Ksitigarbha Hall on the west side. The entire architecture is symmetrical and blends with the mountain, forming a beautiful picture. The earliest building in the temple is the Mahavira Hall, built in the sixth year of Xining of the Northern Song Dynasty (1073 AD). Its architectural regulations and construction art represent the highest level of Song Dynasty architecture; especially the murals inside the hall, which are unique artistic treasures. In June 2001, it was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. Ticket Price: Free Opening Hours: Winter 9:00-11:30 AM, 2:00-5:00 PM; Summer 9:00-11:30 AM, 3:00-6:00 PM; during national statutory holidays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM. Transportation Information: Take bus No. 3/401 from Gaoping City and transfer to bus No. 901, then walk 3.5 kilometers to reach. Self-driving is recommended.