Taifo Hall of Kaiyuan Temple in Chaozhou
Taifo Hall of Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺泰佛殿), located on the southern foothills of Bijiashan Mountain, east of Hanjiang Bridge in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, is surrounded by beautiful scenery and pine trees. It stands in harmony with the newly constructed Hui Ru Park. The area covers 58,078.29 square meters, with a subtropical monsoon climate. The hall is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30.
General Overview
The Taifo Hall was built to imitate the Wat Phra That (俗称云石寺) in Thailand, showcasing the cultural charm of Thailand. Not only is it a Buddhist pilgrimage site, but it also serves as a key bridge for cultural exchange between China and Thailand, attracting countless visitors and devotees.
- Chinese Name: 开元寺泰佛殿
- Location: Southern foothills of Bijiashan Mountain, east of Hanjiang Bridge, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 08:30 – 16:30
- Area: 58,078.29 m²
Basic Introduction
The Taifo Hall occupies 58,078.29 square meters, with an architectural area of 2,000 square meters. Built in the style of Thailand’s Wat Phra That, the hall is grand and imposing, designed in a “pin” shape. Inside, there is a 3-meter-high, 1.5-ton bronze statue of the seated Buddha in the Thai style, surrounded by statues of protective deities. The front altar is adorned with exquisite, delicate carvings. The hall is surrounded by murals depicting the life of the Buddha.
On the east side of the hall is a square pavilion, dedicated to the Four-faced Buddha (四面佛), while the west side features a reception hall showcasing gifts from overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. The hall is set on a raised platform with a stone staircase leading to a plaza, which is flanked by lotus ponds and Bodhi trees planted by Master Dingran and Mr. Xie Huiru. The mountain behind the hall is connected by winding paths leading to pavilions and giant stone carvings, featuring calligraphy by notable figures such as Zhao Puchu, Master Rende, and others.
The construction of Taifo Hall was approved by the State Administration for Religious Affairs and began in August 1991. It was completed in January 1992, with the grand opening ceremony held in March 1992 by Buddhist monks from China and Thailand. The site remains a place of admiration and spiritual significance.
Scenic Features
This architectural structure in Chaozhou, modeled after Thailand’s Wat Phra That, features distinctive Thai elements. Its multiple-tiered roof is adorned with fish-scale tiles, and the eaves are decorated with upward-facing yellow motifs. The corner columns, curved and intricate, symbolize the harmony of dragons and phoenixes.
- Scenic Address: Southern foothills of Bijiashan Mountain, east of Hanjiang Bridge, opposite Hui Ru Park.
- Ticket: Free
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00
- Transportation: Bus No. 8 to Taifo Hall Station.
Layout and Scale
To the east of the hall is the Four-faced Buddha, a deity from ancient Brahmanism, commonly revered in Thailand. In Thai culture, the Four-faced Buddha represents the creator of the world, Brahma, depicted with four faces and four hands holding sacred objects such as the Vedas, lotus, spoon, and beads. Worshipers light incense at each of the four faces, praying in a clockwise direction to seek blessings of compassion, empathy, joy, and generosity.
On the hillside surrounding Taifo Hall, there are various structures including the “Wangjiang Tower” (望江楼), “Wangzhou Pavilion” (望洲阁), and “Buddhist Pagoda” (佛塔). Small hills on either side of the main hall feature a bell and drum, providing a harmonious atmosphere for the site.
Sightseeing and Pilgrimage
Since its establishment, Taifo Hall has welcomed nearly a million visitors annually. It has become a must-visit destination for overseas Chinese in Chaozhou and is considered a significant site for Buddhist pilgrimages. In 1992, Thailand’s esteemed Buddhist leaders and high-ranking figures such as General Dapiman Tie and Dr. Chen Zhenyu, along with Mr. Xie Huiru, participated in the opening ceremony.
In recent years, Kaiyuan Temple has organized multiple Buddhist delegations to visit Thailand, promoting cultural exchanges between China and Thailand. The hall has become a symbol of the connection between the Buddhist cultures of the two countries. The current abbot of Taifo Hall is Master Hongche.
Recommended Attractions
- Hanjiang (韩江)
- From Xiqigong Shrine (熙公祠)
- North Pavilion Buddhist Lamp (北阁佛灯)
- Phoenix Platform (潮州凤凰台)
- Nanyan Temple (南岩寺)
- Guangji Bridge (广济桥)
Reviews of Kaiyuan Temple
Unlike many famous temples that are built beside mountains or rivers, Kaiyuan Temple is located in the bustling city. Built during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty in 738 AD, this temple is the largest Buddhist temple in eastern Guangdong. Covering more than 30 acres, it is an impressive complex of palace-style courtyard architecture. Over its 1,260 years of history, it has been extensively renovated but remains a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. The temple consists of several halls, including the Vajra Hall, Heavenly Kings Hall, Great Hero Hall, and the Sutra Repository. Each area of the temple showcases the wisdom of ancient artisans, and it remains a shining example of Buddhist architecture and culture.
