Kaifu Temple (开福寺, Ancient Kaifu Temple), located beside the Xiang River in Changsha, was originally built in 927 during the Later Tang period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. With over 1,000 years of history, it is a temple of the Linji branch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and houses both the Hunan Province and Changsha Buddhist Associations.
Throughout its long history, Kaifu Temple has experienced periods of prosperity and decline, undergoing several reconstructions. The existing structures primarily date back to the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. Since it was designated as a nunnery in 1994, Abbess Nengjing has overseen major renovations and expansions, adding new buildings such as the monk’s quarters, a pond for releasing animals, Qingtai Bridge, and the bell and drum towers. Additionally, the Great Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, Chan Hall, and Sutra Library were restored. In 1997, the temple received a jade statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (5 meters tall) and statues of his disciples Ananda and Mahakasyapa (4 meters tall) from Myanmar, along with Buddhist scriptures from Taiwan.
A well-known tradition at Kaifu Temple is related to its 500 Arhats, believed to be especially responsive to prayers. Visitors often count the Arhats based on their age and draw a lot to predict their fortune according to the number of the final Arhat they reach.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Buildings in Kaifu Temple
- Vlog about Kaifu Temple
- Attractions Near Kaifu Temple
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
Ticket Price | 10 RMB |
Opening Hours | 6.30 – 17.30 |
Telephone Number | 0086-0731-84485300 |
Location and Transportation
Kaifu Temple is located at No. 152, Kaifu Temple Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan Province. It is situated near the Xiang River, offering a tranquil environment for visitors. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 28, 106, 357, 405, 406, or 501 and get off at Kaifu Temple Stop.
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Kaifu Temple on Line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, you will be standing at the entrance.
Buildings in Kaifu Temple
Front Hall (Maitreya Hall): The Front Hall, also known as the Maitreya Hall or the Three Saints Hall, has a three-bay facade. Its outer eaves are supported by square granite pillars, while the inner pillars are round and also carved from solid granite. Initially, the hall housed statues of the Western Three Saints, but today it enshrines Maitreya Buddha, with a statue of Skanda Bodhisattva on the back and the Four Heavenly Kings on both sides.
Middle Hall (Mahavira Hall): The Middle Hall, also called the Mahavira Hall, stands 20 meters high. At the center is a dignified statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved from white marble, flanked by the disciples Ananda and Mahakasyapa. Behind the Buddha, a golden statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva is worshiped. The hall also contains golden statues of the Sixteen Arhats along the walls.
Rear Hall (Vairocana Hall):The Rear Hall, known as the Vairocana Hall, is dedicated to the Buddha Vairocana. The walls on either side are adorned with statues of 500 miniature Arhats, each about 0.4 meters tall, with unique expressions and postures.
Great Compassion Hall: Built in 2006, the Great Compassion Hall covers over 1,200 square meters. At its center is a statue of Guanyin with a willow branch, surrounded by depictions of the Fifty-Three Visits of Sudhana. The walls are decorated with 84 oil paintings of various forms of Guanyin Bodhisattva.