Huacheng Temple
化城寺
The founding temple and head monastery of Jiuhua Mountain, first built in the Tang dynasty and now home to the Jiuhua History and Relics Museum. Its front release-animal pond and square connect to Jiuhua Street.
Huacheng Temple is the earliest temple on Jiuhua Mountain. It was founded during the Zhide era of the Tang dynasty (756 to 758), and Jin Qiaojue once stayed here. In the second year of the Jianzhong era (781), the court bestowed the name “Huacheng Temple” on it. It later became the main monastery of Jiuhua Mountain, and all other temples on the mountain were considered its branches. It is a national key cultural heritage site.
The existing buildings were rebuilt during the Qing dynasty. They consist of four courtyards, including the Lingguan Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Sutra Library. Highlights include the caisson ceilings on the timber beams, Ming dynasty sutra collections, and imperial gifts from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple houses the Jiuhua Historical Relics Museum.
In front of the temple, the release-animal pond and square form the heart of Jiuhua Street. Nearby temples include Zhantan Grove, Shang Chantang, and Tonghui Hermitage, and the area is well suited to walking from here.
Allow about 40 minutes for your visit. Admission is included in the mountain entry ticket.
Getting there: Take the scenic shuttle bus to the Jiuhua Street terminus, then walk about 5 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00-17:30
Nearby sights
- Tonghui Chanlin Nunnery
- Jiuhua Street
- Zhantan Chan Monastery
- Zhiyuan Temple
- Shangchantang Temple
- Roushen Hall (Yueshen Hall)
- Dongya Chan Temple
- Baisui Palace