Impression Fuzhou----Kaiyuan Monastery of Fuzhou

the Kaiyuan Monastery

Situated on Xi Street of Quanzhou City, the Kaiyuan Monastery was first built during the second year of the reign of Emperor Chuigong of the Tang Dynasty (686). It covers more than 30,000 square meters and is one of the largest Buddhist buildings in the Fujian Province. Its main hall, Daxiongbaodian, is supported by 100 stone columns. Hence, it is nicknamed the Hundred Pillar Hall, each carved in beautiful and different designs. Carved on the cross beams are 24 flying singers and dancers resembling angels in Catholic churches. They are masterpieces of Chinese folk arts and crafts. A hall in the rear keeps five major Buddhist scriptures in 37,000 volumes. In front of the front hall are two towers over 750 years old, the tallest stone towers in China.As the earliest monastery that is kept intact in Fuzhou,Kaiyuan Monastery gets many visitors from home and abroad every year.