Ancient Datu An Monastery in Chaozhou

Ancient Datu An Monastery

Ancient Datu An Monastery is situated within the government granary area (formerly Yongfeng Guild) in the urban district. It is a Buddhist sanctuary in the ancient city of Chaozhou and a historical relic of great cultural significance. The monastery still houses seven or eight stone steles from the Qing Dynasty that record its renovations, providing material for historical tracing. Based on the incense-offering stele renovated in the 36th year of the Qianlong reign (1771), it is inferred that the site was originally established by eminent monks during the Ming Dynasty. Other extant steles in the monastery indicate that over the course of more than 200 years, from the first year of the Kangxi reign (1662) to the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893), successive prefects and abbots contributed to its expansion and restoration. Additions included the construction of a screen wall, renovation of the Buddha hall, and dredging of drainage channels. In the third year of the Guangxu reign (1877), Liu Guinian, the prefect of Chaozhou, personally inscribed the plaque “You Da Tu An” (Ancient Datu An).

A towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy, over 10 meters high, is enshrined in the upper hall, while the corridors feature sculptures of the Eighteen Manifestations of Guanyin. The upper hall is named Cien Pavilion (Pavilion of Gracious Mercy), with its name inscribed by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China. The restored Ancient Datu An Monastery is now more spacious and majestic than in previous times.

Address: Inside the government granary, Yian Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City

Type: Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Ticket Information: Free Admission