Cao'an, Manichaean temple in Jinjiang, China
Cao'an is a granite temple in Jinjiang organized across two levels with distinct functional areas. The lower floor serves as a worship space, while the upper level provides living quarters for the temple's resident clergy.
The temple was built as a meeting place for followers of an eastern faith that spread throughout China, especially during medieval trade periods. Its design reflects how local architectural traditions adapted and mixed with foreign religious concepts from that era.
The temple's name reflects the founder of an ancient eastern doctrine, and the site shows how different religions coexisted in this region. Visitors can observe this religious mixing in the blend of architectural styles visible throughout the walls and columns.
The site is located on a hillside near a small village and is easily accessible on foot. Visit during dry weather for the most comfortable experience, as stairs and outdoor areas can be slippery when wet.
This is a survivor from a religious tradition that nearly vanished in China—the temple displays structures found nowhere else in the country. The preserved statue of the founder from the 1300s is one of only a handful of such works in existence worldwide.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
