The Quanzhou Shaolin Temple (泉州少林寺), also known as the Southern Shaolin Temple (南少林) or Zhen Guo Dong Chan Temple (镇国东禅寺), is reputed to be the birthplace of martial arts in southern China. Legend has it that this temple was established by Zhikong, one of the thirteen monks who aided the Emperor Taizong during the Tang Qianfu period (874-879 AD).
Historically, the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple reached its zenith during the Song Dynasty, becoming a vast complex with thirteen courtyards, extending from the foothills of Dongyue Mountain in the east to the eastern city moat in the west, from East Lake in the south to the Islamic Cemetery in the north. What remains today of Dongchan Shaolin Temple is just a fraction of the original structure. Over centuries, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, enduring a cycle of three destructions and three restorations.
In October 1992, Quanzhou city officials laid the foundation to rebuild the Shaolin Temple on its historical site. By 1997, key structures like the Mahavira Hall, the Five Precepts Hall, and monks’ quarters were completed. In 2002, the Tianwang Hall was also reconstructed. This latest reconstruction represents the fourth major rebuilding of the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, revitalizing this ancient site once more.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Quanzhou Shaolin Temple
- Vlog about Quanzhou Shaolin Temple
- Attractions near Mount Qingyuan
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0595-22795119 |
Location and Transportation
The Quanzhou Shaolin Temple is located at the southern foot of Mount Qingyuan, at 66 Dongyue Ancient Road Qian Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. To get there, you can take bus 41 and get off at Quanzhou Shaolin Temple Stop (泉州少林寺站).
Highlights of Quanzhou Shaolin Temple
Martial Arts
The Quanzhou Shaolin Temple is not only a significant Zen Buddhist monastery but also a pivotal site in the history of southern Chinese martial arts. The temple is renowned for being the home of Hongquan, founded by Hong Xiguan. Hong Xiguan trained many notable disciples, including the famous martial artist Wong Fei-hung, which has cemented the temple’s influence both domestically and internationally. Following its reconstruction, the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple established a martial arts troupe, preserving and propagating the Shaolin martial arts tradition with dedication and vigor.
Traditional Buildings
The Mahavira Hall is the main hall of the Quanzhou Shaolin Temple, enshrining statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and other Buddhist figures. The hall’s architecture is unique, blending traditional Minnan (Southern Fujian) architectural elements with Buddhist design, making it a must-visit attraction for visitors. The Guanyin Pavilion houses a magnificent statue of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, carved from African padauk wood and standing 12 meters tall. This intricately crafted statue is considered a masterpiece among indoor Guanyin statues in China.
Performance and Bodhi Treess
The Martial Arts Hall is where the monks of Quanzhou Shaolin Temple train and perform martial arts. Visitors can watch these impressive martial arts demonstrations, especially on weekends, and experience the enduring legacy of Southern Shaolin martial arts. Additionally, the temple grounds feature two bodhi trees, which are said to be among the few in the world that bear fruit, adding an air of mystique and sanctity to the temple.
