Qingshuiyan Temple (Qingshui Cliff Temple, 清水岩寺), located in Anxi County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, is a historic site with origins dating back to the Song Dynasty. Established in 1093 during the Yuan You period, the temple we see today was constructed during the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 3,200 square meters, the temple is built against the mountainside, giving it the appearance of a suspended pavilion. The structure faces west and is designed in a pagoda style, appearing as a three-story building from the outside but actually comprising four levels: the Shijia Hall, Patriarch Hall, and Wu Tiankou. Flanking the main structure are the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Guanyin Pavilion, Tanyu Hall, Fangming Hall, and monks’ quarters. The exterior layout forms the shape of the Chinese character “帝” (emperor).
As the ancestral temple of the Qingshui Patriarch belief, Qingshuiyan Temple plays a significant role in connecting overseas Chinese with their heritage. It serves as an entry point for Chinese traditional religion and culture to reach the world. During the Song Dynasty, the esteemed Chan Master Puzu resided here. Renowned for his virtue and profound wisdom, Master Puzu performed numerous good deeds, such as praying for rain, building bridges, and healing the sick. After his passing, the temple’s incense offerings continued fervently, and its spiritual influence grew. Devotees built the temple to honor his benevolence, offering sacrifices and rituals in gratitude. Thus, Qingshuiyan Temple became a center for the Qingshui Patriarch belief, which has endured for over a millennium.
The Qingshui Patriarch belief extended beyond Anxi and Quanzhou, spreading throughout Fujian, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, amassing over a hundred million followers. Within Qingshuiyan Temple, the main deities worshiped are the Three Treasures Buddhas: Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. These deities represent the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, known collectively as the Three Treasures or the Three Saints. Qingshuiyan Temple is notably the first temple in Taiwan to enshrine these Three Treasures Buddhas. Additionally, the temple houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, the South Sea Guanyin, and Zhusheng Niangniang (the Goddess of Birth), among others. According to local legend, many devotees seeking blessings for childbirth find their prayers answered here, especially through the ancient gold-plated statue of Zhusheng Niangniang.
Surrounding Qingshuiyan Temple are over twenty stone inscriptions and cliff carvings from the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and modern eras. Among these is the Song Dynasty “Yantu” stele, an engraved map depicting the scale of the temple’s architecture during that period, making it a prized artifact. The “Shisu Gui” inscription records four titles conferred upon the temple, namely “昭应,” “广惠,” “慈济,” and “善利大师.” Notable scenic spots within the temple grounds include the “Luohan Pine,” the “Branches Pointing North,” and the “Clear Pearl Curtain.”
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 6.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0595-23353688 |
Location and Transportation
Qingshuiyan Temple is located in the Qingshuiyan Scenic Area, Pengxi Village, Penglai Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. To get there, you can take bus Anxi 201B and get off at Qingshuiyan Stop (清水岩站).
