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Mingjiao Temple

明教寺

Plan Mingjiao Temple with ticket details, a short old-city route, photography rules and transport in Hefei.

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Plan at a glance

Location, tickets and visit time

Mingjiao Temple is at 44 Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street in Luyang District, Hefei. The temple stands on a raised platform, and its gate and stone steps are visible from the main pedestrian street. The central courtyard is small: allow about 20–30 minutes for a quick visit, or 40–60 minutes if you also want to see the Roof Well, Jiaonu Pavilion, and courtyard details. It fits naturally into a walk along Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street.

The reference ticket price is CNY 10 per person, purchased as a paper ticket on site, with no reservation required. Reference opening hours are 07:30–17:00; from November to April, they may change to 07:30–16:30. Check the day’s opening arrangements before setting out and again when you arrive.

Who this visit suits

The temple suits visitors interested in Three Kingdoms stories, Hefei’s old-city history, temple architecture, or city photography. It also works as a short stop during a walk along Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street. The temple is small and is better suited to a brief old-city visit than to a half-day standalone attraction.

Tickets and visit details

View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.

View Visit Optionsvia Trip.com

Choose your visit

Jiaonu Terrace, the Roof Well, and temple architecture

The site is associated with the local story of Cao Cao training crossbowmen here during the Three Kingdoms period. The Mahavira Hall, Jiaonu Pavilion, and Roof Well are the main points to see. The incense burner, white-jade elephant sculpture, and the gate on the raised platform in front of the Mahavira Hall can be viewed together; photography rules differ inside and outside the hall, so read the signs before entering.

Ginkgo and courtyard details

The old ginkgo tree is usually at its best from mid to late November, but its colour and condition depend on the season. If you have time, walk behind the hall to look for the Roof Well, Jiaonu Pavilion, and the small novice-monk sculpture, then return to the red walls and dark tiled roofs. Photography is not allowed inside the hall; in other areas, also follow the signs and temple etiquette.

Choosing by interest

History enthusiasts can focus on the Jiaonu Terrace story, Roof Well, and Jiaonu Pavilion. City walkers can see the central courtyard in 20–30 minutes and continue along Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street. Visitors in autumn can make the ginkgo an extra stop. If you are praying or taking part in temple rituals, follow temple etiquette and avoid disrupting normal activities for photos.

Build your day

A 20–30 minute quick route

Climb the steps from the Huaihe Road side, see the Mahavira Hall and the incense burner in front, then pause in the courtyard to take in the raised setting and surrounding buildings before returning by the same route. This length suits a tight schedule and connects easily with a walk along the pedestrian street.

A 40–60 minute full route

Enter through the gate and start with the Mahavira Hall, then walk behind it to see the Roof Well and Jiaonu Pavilion. The Jiaonu Terrace story adds historical context to the temple’s elevated setting, and you can then spend time on the courtyard’s architectural and sculptural details. Leave by the original route after completing the central courtyard; in seasons with shorter hours, pay particular attention to the last admission time.

Linking it with an old-city walk

Mingjiao Temple is inside Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street and can be visited with the street, the Li Hongzhang Former Residence, or Xiaoyaojin Park. Xiaoyaojin Park, Mingjiao Temple, and the Li Hongzhang Former Residence each have separate entrances, ticketing, and opening arrangements; Xiaoyaojin Park and Mingjiao Temple can be linked on foot or by a short transfer, depending on the day’s route and your group’s energy.

Get there

Metro and bus

Take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 to Dadongmen Station, leave through Exit A, and walk about 5 minutes to Mingjiao Temple. You can also take buses 2, 15, 106, or 137 to Xiaoyaojin stop and walk from there. The entrance is on the pedestrian-street side; after arriving, follow the main street toward the raised gate.

Arrival from the pedestrian street and parking

Mingjiao Temple is inside Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, so walking is more convenient than driving. Traffic and visitor numbers around the old city are heavier on weekends and public holidays. If driving, use the on-site parking guidance and choose a designated area rather than stopping temporarily on the pedestrian street or roadside near the gate.

Know before you go

Tickets, opening hours and photography

The reference ticket price is CNY 10 per person on site, with no reservation required. Winter opening hours may end earlier, so follow the arrangements for the day of your visit. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, and other areas also require attention to signs and temple etiquette. Mingjiao Temple has its own ticketing, opening hours, and photography rules, separate from Xiaoyaojin Park and the surrounding streets.

Scale and spending expectations

The central courtyard takes about 10–20 minutes to walk through; a longer visit depends on how much time you spend at Jiaonu Pavilion, the Roof Well, and the ginkgo tree. Themed ice creams, milk tea, and similar products seen at the entrance or in the courtyard may be sold by different vendors, so check the seller and price before buying.

Nearby food and next stop

After the visit, return to Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street for food or continue the city walk. The Li Hongzhang Former Residence and Xiaoyaojin Park can be chosen according to their own opening arrangements. When travelling to Bao Park or other attractions in another part of the city, allow separate transport time.

More Hefei Attractions
01Historic Walk

Anhui Museum (New Hall)

安徽博物院(新馆)

All Ages

Admission

Free entry; reservation is required on weekends and public holidays, while non-holiday Tuesday–Friday allows entry without a reservation after security checks.

Typical Visit

1.5–2 hours for the key galleries; 3–4 hours for a full visit.

02Historic Walk

Sanhe Ancient Town

三河古镇

All Ages

Admission

The town streets are free; paid attractions, combination passes and boats are charged separately. Reference passes are CNY 50 for four attractions and CNY 65 for five attractions.

Typical Visit

1–2 hours for the free walking route; 3–4 hours with paid attractions, dusk and a night boat.

03Historic Walk

Bao Gong Temple

包公祠

All Ages

Admission

Free entry; real-name reservation through the official Bao Park WeChat account is required.

Typical Visit

1–1.5 hours for Bao Gong Temple and Qingfeng Pavilion; 2.5–3 hours for the full park route.

04Historic Walk

Xiaoyaojin Park

逍遥津公园

All Ages

Admission

Free park entry; the Three Kingdoms History and Culture Museum, flight cinema, pet park, amusement facilities, and temporary activities may charge separately.

Typical Visit

1–1.5 hours for the main historical areas and lake views; 2–3 hours with the amusement area or an evening visit.

05Historic Walk

Memorial Hall of the Crossing-the-Yangtze Campaign

渡江战役纪念馆

All Ages

Admission

Free entry; no reservation is currently required.

Typical Visit

1–1.5 hours for the main highlights; 2–3 hours with all six exhibition areas and optional experiences.

06City Guide

Laoshan Island

姥山岛

All Ages

Admission

No separate island admission ticket; a round-trip boat ticket is required. Reference fares: CNY 60 for a tour boat and CNY 75 for a speedboat.

Typical Visit

2–2.5 hours for the quick route; 3–4 hours with the fishing village and island paths.