Thai Buddha Temple of Kaiyuan Temple, temple in Xiangqiao, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China
The Thai Buddha Temple of Kaiyuan Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary with a mix of Chinese and Thai architecture in Xiangqiao. The complex includes several main halls with Buddha statues, a seven-story wooden pagoda with detailed carvings, the Dabei Hall containing 86 Guanyin images, and the Taifo Hall housing a nearly 10-foot-tall bronze Buddha statue from Thailand.
The temple was originally founded in 738 during the Tang dynasty and underwent several name changes including Lifeng Temple and variants of Kaiyuan Wanshou and Zhenguo Chan. Its current form took shape through major restorations and the addition of the Dabei Hall in 2005, preserving the religious heritage across many centuries.
The temple's name comes from the Kaiyuan period of the Tang dynasty, reflecting its importance in the region's history. Visitors can see how locals light incense, make offerings, and meditate in quiet spaces today, showing how the temple remains part of everyday spiritual practice for the community.
The temple welcomes daily visitors and pilgrims to explore its different areas without needing special knowledge or experience. A visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on how much time you spend in meditation spaces or viewing the historical artifacts and carvings.
The Taifo Hall houses a rare bronze Buddha statue from Thailand with wall paintings depicting Siddhartha's path to enlightenment. This blend of Thai and Chinese Buddhist tradition is uncommon in the region and reflects historical trade connections between the cultures.
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