The Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.

Kaiyuan Monastery, Quanzhou, China

Felix Wong's avatar
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After a morning bus ride from Xiamen, our tour group stopped by the Kaiyuan Monastery (also known as the Kaiyuan Temple and Ziyun Hall) in Quanzhou, China. It is known as a “Hindu-Buddhist temple,” but the most important hall is that of the main Buddha (Vairocana Buddha) and therefore can be considered primarily a Buddhist temple.

The monastery was built during the Tang Dynasty around 685. Granite carvings were done in a South Indian style, and are similar to 13th-century temples in the Chola Nadu region in Tamil Nadu of southern India.

Two pagodas are on site: the Reshou Pagoda and Zhenguo Pagoda. The Kaiyuan Temple was designated as a national temple in 1983. (Source: Wikipedia)

My last name (i.e., family name of Wong: 黄) could be found on various pillars, as shown in one of the photos below. But I am not sure what the connection is.

My mom in front of the Reshou Pagoda at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
My mom in front of the Reshou Pagoda at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Dragon (lion?) wall carving at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Dragon (lion?) wall carving at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Stone seats and table at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Stone seats and table at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Buddhist tribute at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Buddhist tribute at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Red wall with exquisite carvings at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Red wall with exquisite carvings at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Chinese characters for Wong (my last name) and people at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Chinese characters for Wong (my last name) and people at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Reshou Pagoda at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
The Reshou Pagoda at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Chinese characters at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.
Chinese characters at the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, China.