Chengtian Temple

Introducing Chengtian Temple
Chengtian Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of Quanzhou City. Chengtian Temple is also known as Yuetai Temple. Originally built in 957 AD, it was bestowed the name “Chengtian” in 1007 AD during the Jingde reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). 

The temple’s thousand-year history has seen numerous renovations as well as periods of decline. At its peak, it boasted over 40 halls and pavilions and was home to many eminent monks and virtuous scholars. Second in size only to the renowned Kaiyuan Temple, Chengtian Temple nevertheless offers a tranquil, verdant oasis within the bustling city — a rare urban sanctuary indeed.

Chengtian Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Yuetai Temple
• Chinese Name: Chéng Tiān Sì 承天寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Buddhism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 36 Nanjun Road, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at the Chengtian Temple
Walking around the Chengtian temple grounds is a deeply spiritual and uplifting experience. The air, filled with the sounds of chanting and the fragrance of burning incense, creates an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility. The gentle murmur of prayers and the rhythmic striking of bells further enhance this sense of serenity, fostering a sense of inner peace and spiritual renewal.

The Hall of the Heavenly Kings
The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the first hall encountered upon entering the temple complex. It houses the Four Heavenly Kings, guardian deities who protect the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Each King faces a cardinal direction, wielding symbolic objects and representing different virtues. The hall serves as a transition between the secular and sacred worlds, reminding visitors to leave worldly concerns behind. A statue of the Maitreya Buddha (laughing Buddha) is also present, representing the future Buddha and offering a welcoming presence.

The Hall of the Mahāvīra
The hall, housing a revered bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, serves as the heart of the temple complex. Within this sacred space, not only the Buddha is honored, but also key figures like bodhisattvas and arhats. The hall’s central location emphasizes the importance of Buddhist principles in the lives of practitioners, positioning these teachings as central to one’s existence. Soaring ceilings, intricate carvings, and gilded ornamentation contribute to the hall’s grandeur, creating an atmosphere of reverence and inspiring contemplation and devotion among those who enter.

The Dharani Pillar
This magnificent stone Dharani Pillar stands a towering seven meters (23 ft) tall and is believed to have originally belonged to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) Tongtian Palace in the north of Quanzhou City. Its octagonal shaft rises in thirteen tiered sections, each intricately carved with exquisite ornamentation. Layers of lotus petals, swirling cloud patterns, serene Buddha figures, and coiling dragons enhance its majestic presence. Though once inscribed with dharani sutras, the pillar’s surface has suffered from the relentless passage of time and exposure to the elements. The weathered and eroded text, now largely illegible, serves as a poignant reminder of time’s relentless toll.

The Mural Gallery
Within the Chengtian Temple, a breathtaking mural gallery unfolds, stretching 150 meters (492 ft) between the Maitreya Hall, the Hall of the Mahāvīra, and the Dharma Hall. While contemporary in creation, these murals pulse with the ancient heart of Buddhism. Across their vibrant expanse, they weave a tapestry of sacred narratives, luminous bodhisattvas, and the potent symbolism of vajras. Each brushstroke breathes life into the scenes, captivating the gaze and igniting the imagination. Of particular splendor are the exquisite portrayals of the Twenty-Four Apsarā, celestial beings whose ethereal grace is captured in breathtaking detail across two meters (6.56 ft) of artistic mastery.

How to Get to Chengtian Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 30, K501 to Jiuyijie (Jiuyi Street) Station.