A Day at Quanzhou's Kaiyuan Temple
Introduction Our second day in Quanzhou, Fujian, led us to the renowned Kaiyuan Temple. Initial Impressions Even before reaching the temple, the city's sense of order was apparent, marked by a clear street sign—in both English and Chinese—prohibiting parking and stalls. This initial, simple impression soon gave way to the main attraction: the magnificent temple complex. The Architectural Grandeur: A Tale in Stone Our exploration began with the temple's iconic pagodas. The West Stone Tower stood breathtakingly against the sky, its enduring beauty visible from multiple angles. Up close, the intricate stone details were mesmerizing. We observed a statue of a Buddha—a silent sentinel—and a bell hanging on a ledge, chiming softly in the breeze. The tower’s presence was constant, even appearing framed through a doorway. Moving into the main grounds, groups of people circled the main building, bringing life to the ancient...
