Kaiyuan Temple, Buddhist temple in North District, Tainan, Taiwan
Kaiyuan Temple is a Buddhist temple featuring traditional Chinese architecture with red tiles, white eaves, and paired blue dragons on the roof, complemented by a relics pagoda. The structure is arranged in a quadrangle layout with multiple halls surrounding a central courtyard.
The temple was originally built in 1690 as North Garden Villa during the Qing Dynasty before later being converted into a Buddhist temple. This transformation marked the site's transition from a private residence into a religious center that has developed over centuries.
Buddhist ceremonies take place regularly in the temple, with worshippers gathering before the Three Saints displayed in the main hall. This active practice shapes the rhythm of the place and draws visitors who participate in the rituals or sit quietly in reflection.
The temple is centrally located in Tainan and offers free access to visitors, allowing anyone to explore its multiple halls. The quadrangle arrangement of the rooms makes it easy to navigate the grounds and discover the architecture at your own pace.
The temple houses Taiwan's oldest bronze bell, weighing approximately 1,600 kilograms, cast through donations collected by the first abbot, Master Zhizhong. This bell stands as a quiet testament to the generosity and devotion of early community members who contributed to the temple's growth.
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