Chengtian Temple is located on the east side of Nanjun Lane opposite Chengtian Lane in the center of Quanzhou city, also known as Yuetai Temple. It's hard to imagine such a vast temple hidden inside an inconspicuous temple gate on the fashionable Nanjun Road.
Chengtian Temple was originally the South Garden of the Five Dynasties Jiedushi Liu Congxiao. It was built during the late Baoda period of the Southern Tang Dynasty and the early Zhongxing period, and was originally named "Nanchan Temple". In the fourth year of the Jingde reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, it was named Chengtian Temple, and the existing temple buildings were renovated in the thirtieth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1692 AD).
There are many ancient temples in Quanzhou, but Chengtian Temple is still one of the more famous, second only to Kaiyuan Temple in terms of popularity. Its environment is quiet and peaceful, a rare sanctuary in the bustling city.
The temple gate faces east to west, with a platform at the entrance and a high hanging vertical plaque reading "Platform". Entering the mountain gate, there is no prayer pavilion, but a long and secluded road. To the south of the long road, there are seven pagodas. The buildings on the central axis are the Heavenly King Hall, Maitreya Hall, the Shakya ManiHall, Dharma Hall and Manjusri Hall. There are two "Free Life Ponds" in front of the Mahavira Hall, which contain many turtles.
The overall architectural style of Chengtian Temple does not have much of the ornate and complex Minnan architecture. The temple structure is staggered, but still spacious and bright, without any eye-catching decorations.
There are more than 200 plants planted in the temple, including banyan trees, willow trees, longan trees, and white inner leaf trees, hidden among the various halls and towers, with dense shade covering the ground. Strolling in this peaceful environment, being a leisurely person, feeling relaxed and at ease. There are still some pigeons in the temple who are not afraid of people.
This used to be the place where Master Hongyi preached and spread the Dharma. There is a couplet of Master Hongyi on the pillar of the mountain gate: "With boundless freedom, enter the second Dharma gate." You can also find the "incarnation of Master Hongyi" in the temple. But what's even more worth visiting is the small hill behind the incarnation, where one can sit quietly and read, leaving one reluctant to leave. You can also sit under the big banyan tree and daydream, listening to the subtle chanting of sutras and smelling the faint fragrance of incense, allowing your restless heart to settle. Undoubtedly, Chengtian Temple is a great place to rest and unwind. Travel tips
Address:No. 36 Nanjun Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province
Telephone:0595-22272857
Opening Hours:Throughout the year, from 08:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00
Admission ticket:free