Kaifu Temple

开福寺

A thousand-year-old temple founded in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It is a Buddhist centre of Hunan and one of China's largest nunneries, a quiet retreat in the middle of the city, and famous for its vegetarian food.

Kaifu Temple is near Xinhe on the east bank of the Xiang River in Kaifu District. It was founded in 927 during the Later Tang dynasty, in the second year of the Tiancheng era, by Ma Xifan, son of King Ma Yin of Chu, on the site of the former Huichun Garden. It was repeatedly rebuilt during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Most of the surviving buildings were rebuilt during the Guangxu reign of the Qing. It is one of Hunan's most important Buddhist temples and one of the largest nunneries in China. In 1983 it was designated a key Buddhist temple in Han-majority areas nationwide. Highlights include:

The central axis, with the Mountain Gate (a three-arched stone pailou with the plaque “Ancient Kaifu Temple”), the Maitreya Hall, the Mahavira Hall, and the Vairocana Hall. On either side are the guest hall, the refectory, and the sutra library.

The Thousand-Armed Guanyin in the Great Compassion Hall.

Ziwei Mountain and Bilang Lake behind the temple. Inside are a pond for releasing animals and ancient camphor trees.

The vegetarian restaurant, known for its vegetarian noodles and snacks, which is one of Changsha's best vegetarian spots.

Pilgrims come in large numbers on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month and on Buddha's birthday. The bell-ringing for blessings during Spring Festival is lively.

Tickets: 10 yuan, bought on site or booked through the official WeChat account.

Getting there: Metro Line 1, Kaifu Temple Station, Exit 2, about a 5-minute walk.

Tip: Allow about 1 hour. Combine it with the Hunan Museum and Martyrs' Park on the same day, which are 2 to 3 km apart and about 10 minutes by taxi.

Note: Photography is not allowed inside the halls. Dress modestly and keep quiet. The roads nearby are narrow and parking is difficult.

Kaifu Temple

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby