Kaifu Temple is an ancient temple in Changsha where incense is very popular. Local people often come here to pray and worship the statue of Avalokitesvara in the Avalokitesvara Hall. Kaifu Temple was first built during the Five Dynasties period (896-929), and the existing buildings are mainly rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty.
The incense worship in Kaifu Temple is slightly different from that in general temples. It is not inserted into the incense burner after lighting the incense, but rather thrown directly into the incense burner. On the central axis behind the incense square, there are Maitreya Hall, the Shakya ManiHall and Pilu Hall. There are five hundred statues of Arhat in Pilu Hall. Interested tourists can count Arhat here to gauge good or bad luck.
In the east of the temple, there is a newly built Hall of Great Compassion. In the center of the hall is a statue of Avalokitesvara and a child with good fortune. On the wall of the hall, there are eighty four painted statues of Avalokitesvara. Local pilgrims believe that by circling around the Guanyin statue in the hall for 3 or 7 turns, they can meet their needs.
Travel Tips
Address: No. 136, Kaifusi Road, Xinhe, Kaifu District, Changsha
Tel: 0731-84485300
Opening Hours: 7:30-17:30
Entrance Fee: 0