Qiyuan Temple of Jiuhua Mountain in Chizhou

Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺 / Qiyuan Zen Temple) is the largest monastery in Jiuhua Mountain (九华山) and one of the most important Buddhist temples in China. Located at the entrance of Jiuhua Street (九华街), it is widely regarded as the first stop for pilgrimage in Jiuhua Mountain.

The temple was originally founded during the Ming Dynasty (嘉靖年间, 16th century) and expanded during the Qing Dynasty. Today, it stands as a nationally recognized Buddhist temple and one of the “Four Great Monasteries of Jiuhua Mountain (四大丛林)” alongside Huacheng Temple (化城寺), Baizui Palace (百岁宫), and Ganlu Temple (甘露寺).

Qiyuan Temple is known for its grand architecture, cultural relics, and a 12-meter golden Buddha statue, making it one of the most visually impressive religious sites in the region.

Location, Status & Visitor Information

Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺) is located in Jiuhua Street (九华街), Qingyang County (青阳县), Chizhou City (池州市), Anhui Province, at the foot of Chaxiao Peak (插霄峰).

Key details:

• Founded: Ming Dynasty (1522–1566), expanded in Qing Dynasty
• Status: National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Region (since 1983)
• Opening hours: 08:00–17:30 (extended during major Buddhist events)
• Entrance fee: Included in Jiuhua Mountain ticket (approx. 160 CNY peak season / 140 CNY off-season)
• Area: ~6,600 m², 10 main buildings, mountain-built “7-shaped” layout
• Recommended visit time: 1 hour

Architectural Highlights of Qiyuan Temple

Temple Gate (Mountain Gate of Jiuhua Mountain)

The mountain gate is one of the most iconic structures in Jiuhua Mountain.

It features:

• Multi-layer glazed tile roof
• Yellow walls with golden decorations
• Porcelain plaque reading “Qiyuan Zen Temple (祇园禅寺)”
• Traditional Anhui-style horse-head walls blended with imperial architecture

This entrance is often the first visual impression for pilgrims entering Jiuhua Mountain.

Heavenly Kings Hall (天王殿)

The Heavenly Kings Hall is a two-story pavilion-style structure housing:

• Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛)
• Skanda (韦驮)
• Four Heavenly Kings (四大天王)

Behind the hall lies a courtyard called “Entering Samadhi Space (入三摩地)”, leading toward the main hall.

Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿) – Core Structure

The Mahavira Hall is the spiritual and architectural centerpiece of Qiyuan Temple.

Inside stands:

• A 12-meter-high gilded Buddha triad statue, one of the largest in Jiuhua Mountain
• A large mural of “Island of Avalokitesvara (海岛观音壁雕)”
• Eighteen Arhats (十八罗汉) carved in highly detailed forms

The hall rises to approximately 35 meters and represents the peak of temple craftsmanship in Jiuhua Mountain.

Sutra Library & Cultural Relics

Qiyuan Temple preserves valuable historical relics:

• Dragon Canon (龙藏 / Qianlong Tripitaka): A rare Qing Dynasty imperial Buddhist scripture collection
• “Thousand-Monk Pot” (千僧锅): A large bronze cooking vessel used for monastic meals, capable of serving hundreds of monks

These relics reflect the temple’s historical role as a major Buddhist center.

Recommended Walking Route (Simple Loop)

Entrance Square → Temple Gate → Heavenly Kings Hall → Mahavira Hall → Sutra Library → Thousand-Monk Pot → Exit

• Entrance → Gate: ~5 minutes
• Gate → Mahavira Hall: ~20 minutes
• Hall → Cultural relics area: ~15 minutes
• Total time: about 1 hour

The route is straightforward with no backtracking required.

Transportation Guide

Getting to Jiuhua Mountain

• High-speed rail: Arrive at Jiuhua Mountain Station (九华山站), take a shuttle bus (~15 minutes) to the tourist center, then transfer to scenic buses to Jiuhua Street
• Self-driving: Navigate to Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Center (九华山游客中心). Private cars are not allowed to enter the mountain during peak seasons

Inside Jiuhua Street

Qiyuan Temple is fully walkable:

• ~5 minutes from Huacheng Temple (化城寺)
• ~10 minutes from Baizui Palace cable car station

Cultural Etiquette & Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Early morning (before 08:00): peaceful atmosphere, possible morning chanting ceremonies
• Late afternoon (after 16:00): soft lighting for photography

Dress Code & Behavior

• Modest clothing required (no exposed shoulders or knees)
• No photography inside temple halls
• Walk clockwise when praying around halls
• Maintain quiet behavior during worship areas

Incense & Worship Rules

• Free incense is usually provided inside the temple
• High incense and open flames are not allowed
• Prayer ribbons available for purchase (optional)

Food Recommendation

A popular vegetarian option nearby:

• Temple Vegetarian Hall (祇园寺香积厨) serving “Luohan Zhai (罗汉斋)” set meals (reservation recommended)
• Local Jiuhua Street food includes bamboo shoots, stone fungus dishes, and free-range chicken

One-Day Jiuhua Mountain Itinerary (Including Qiyuan Temple)

Morning Pilgrimage Route

06:30–07:00 Arrive at Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Center → Scenic bus to Jiuhua Street

07:00–08:00 Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺)

• Mountain Gate → Mahavira Hall → 12m Buddha statue → Sutra Library

08:00–08:40 Huacheng Temple (化城寺)

• Ancient monastery and Jiuhua historical museum

08:40–09:30 Daxiong Pavilion Area (旃檀林)

• Major Buddhist ritual center

09:30–10:30 Rou Shen Bao Dian (肉身宝殿)

• Ksitigarbha relic pagoda, most sacred site in Jiuhua Mountain

Midday Experience

10:30–12:00 Baizui Palace (百岁宫)

• Cable car recommended
• Ancient monk relics and cliffside views

12:00–13:30 Lunch at Jiuhua Street

• Vegetarian meals or local Anhui cuisine

Afternoon Scenic Route

13:30–15:30 Tiantai Scenic Area (天台景区)

• Highest peak viewpoints
• Cloud sea, cliff trails, TianTai Temple

15:30–16:30 Optional: Dayuan Cultural Park (大愿文化园)

• 99-meter Ksitigarbha statue

Return

16:30–17:30 Return to visitor center and departure

Core Travel Route Summary

Visitor Center → Qiyuan Temple → Huacheng Temple → Daxiong Pavilion → Ksitigarbha Relic Hall → Baizui Palace → Tiantai Scenic Area → Optional Cultural Park → Return

Practical Travel Advice

• Temple dress code is strictly enforced
• Photography is prohibited inside halls
• Incense is provided, no need to bring your own
• Cable cars are strongly recommended for Baizui Palace and Tiantai Area
• Best seasons: April–May (azalea flowers) and September–November (cloud seas & clear weather)

Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺) stands as the largest and most important monastery in Jiuhua Mountain, combining imperial architecture, deep Buddhist heritage, and a central location in Jiuhua Street. It is the natural starting point for any Jiuhua pilgrimage journey and an essential cultural landmark in Anhui tourism.