Plan at a glance
Newer temple to the east, historic temple to the west
Xingtai Great Kaiyuan Temple consists of two adjacent areas: a religious activity area to the east, whose reconstruction began in 2006 and whose newer buildings were completed later, and the historic Kaiyuan Temple heritage area to the west. The newer temple entrance is near 191 Kaiyuan North Road; the historic temple entrance is near No. 88. A “Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level” stele stands in front of the historic temple.
Admission and different opening arrangements
The temple is free to visit; no advance reservation is required, but visitors register on site. The newer religious activity area and historic temple heritage area may have different entrances and opening hours. If visiting both, confirm the day’s arrangements for each separately. The historic temple area may close on Mondays.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Modern religious area and historic temple area
The religious activity area containing the eastern temple began reconstruction in 2006, and its newer buildings were completed later. The halls are relatively new and remain in daily religious use. The western Kaiyuan Temple area is the historic heritage site. The original temple site dates to the Later Zhao period and took the name Kaiyuan during the Tang dynasty’s Kaiyuan era. Most historic artifacts are in this western area.
Carved columns, iron bell, and Buddhist pillars
There are four Ming-dynasty columns carved with coiling dragons in front of the Bodhisattva Hall, each about 4.5 m high. The large Jin-dynasty iron bell was cast in 1184, weighs about 15 metric tonnes (30,000 jin), and is decorated with the twelve zodiac signs and Eight Trigrams. The historic temple also preserves sixteen-sided Dharani pillars, a Later Liang Buddhist pillar, and 109 steles dating from the Later Zhao through the Republican period.
For visitors interested in history and architecture
The historic temple’s red walls, halls, and stone carvings invite a slower visit and photography. The carved columns, old bell, and Buddhist pillars are key sights in the heritage area. Visitors interested in temple architecture can see the newer eastern temple first, then allow time for the western historic temple. The heritage area also has its own entrance if you only plan to visit that side.
For a separate city-park visit with lakeside paths and a memorial hall, see Dahuoquan Park.
Build your day
The roughly 1-hour highlights visit
Enter through the newer temple on the east, see the square and halls, then continue to the western historic temple. Focus on the carved columns by the Bodhisattva Hall, the Jin-dynasty bell, and the Buddhist pillars, then leave through the historic temple exit. Whether visitors can pass directly between the two areas depends on the day’s access arrangements. If the internal passage is closed, enter each area according to the signs.
The 2–3-hour temple route
Visit the newer eastern temple first, then enter the western historic temple. From the mountain gate, follow the sequence of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Vairocana Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, and Mahavira Hall, taking time to see the buildings and artifacts. Rest afterward at Wan’an Tea House in the southwest corner of the temple grounds.
Photographing the carved columns
The carved columns work well in close-up photos. Slanting light before 09:00 can bring out the stone details. The red walls can be framed with corridors, pillars, and windows. Afternoon light is also suitable, but check the heritage area’s closing time first.
Get there
Bus and train station
In Xingtai, take Bus 10, 12, or 13 to Kaiyuan Temple stop, then walk about two minutes to the eastern side of the temple. A taxi from Xingtai East Railway Station takes about 15 minutes and costs about CNY 20. Xingtai has no subway.
Driving and parking
Drivers can park at the Xingtai Museum car park opposite the temple, for about CNY 5 per visit. Cross the road on foot to reach the temple.
Know before you go
Access between areas and Monday closures
The two areas have different entrances, passages, and opening arrangements. If visiting both, check whether each is open and whether visitors can pass directly from one to the other. The historic temple area may close on Mondays.
Temple etiquette and paid services
Keep quiet inside the temple. Do not use flash photography on Buddha images. Do not light candles or other open flames inside the halls. Free incense is available at the temple service counter. If someone outside offers to burn incense or tell fortunes for a fee, ask what the service includes and how much it costs; decline directly if you are not interested.
Nearby museum, old town, and food
Xingtai Museum is opposite the temple and is free to visit; allow a separate half-day if you plan to go. Qingfeng Tower, the Temple of the Fire God, and Haonanguan are in the historic Xingzhou area, about a 5–10-minute walk away. Nearby food options include Heji braised pancakes, Laosu lamb soup, and Wei County baked flatbread. On the way back, Dongmenli Street has Qingfeng Tower sesame cakes.
---