A Day at Quanzhou's Kaiyuan Temple
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 stone structures and underscoring the temple’s sheer, humbling size. A stone sign with Chinese script introduced the history of Kaiyuan Temple, providing essential context to the scene. Finally, we visited the East Stone Tower, completing the impressive architectural panorama.
Moments of Contrast
Amidst the dominant stone, pockets of natural beauty flourished. A vibrant tree with red flowers contrasted beautifully against the clear blue sky. Even on the rooftops, life persevered, symbolized by a small, enduring plant growing on the tiles.
Connecting Temple and City
As our visit concluded, a final view of Kaiyuan Temple from the street served to reconnect this spiritual site with the bustling heart of Quanzhou.
Gears & Settings | Figures |
Camera | Sony A6700 |
Lens | Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN |
Creative Style | FL |
Date | 18 May 2024 |
Location | Quanzhou, Fujian, China |
Support my work by downloading images through my shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
#: 1 | SS: 1/400s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A sign on street says no parking and no stalls in both English and Chinese |
#: 2 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 36mm | Caption: The west stone tower in Kaiyuan temple | #: 3 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 52mm | Caption: Another view of the west stone tower in Kaiyuan temple |
#: 4 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A statue of a Buddha on the stone tower | #: 5 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A bell hanging on a ledge of the stone tower |
#: 6 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 52mm | Caption: A bell hanging on a ledge of the stone tower | #: 7 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 51mm | Caption: A bell hanging on a ledge of the stone tower |
#: 8 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A view of the stone tower through a door |
#: 9 | SS: 1/640s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A group of people walking around the main building of Kaiyuan temple |
#: 10 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A group of people walking around the main building of Kaiyuan temple |
#: 11 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 42mm | Caption: A stone sign with chinese writing on it introduces Kaiyuan temple |
#: 12 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 36mm | Caption: The east stone tower in Kaiyuan temple |
#: 13 | SS: 1/2500s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A tree with red flowers in a clear blue sky | #: 14 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A view of Kaiyuan temple from the street |
#: 15 | SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 36mm | Caption: A small plant growing on a roof |
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