Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple

Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple

Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple was built in the early Tang Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest temples in Guangxi. The temple is located north of Rong County in Yulin, Guangxi, and was abandoned before the Ming Dynasty. The restoration and reconstruction of Kaiyuan Temple is an important part of the tourism enhancement project for the Zhenwu Pavilion scenic area in Rong County.

As an important cultural and tourism resource in Rong County, during the county’s 2014 Tourism Development Campaign, the enhancement project for the Zhenwu Pavilion scenic area was listed as a key initiative. This included the reconstruction of Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple on its original site, following the original layout. The temple was built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, designed according to ancient Chinese temple planning principles along a central axis. The layout features the Mountain Gate (also known as the Heavenly King Hall), the Mahavira Hall, and the Rear Hall (Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower) along the central axis, with the Dharma Hall (Library Pavilion), Bell and Drum Towers, Dining Hall, Monks’ Quarters, and Lay Buddhists’ Building arranged on both sides, reflecting the seven-hall layout characteristic of traditional Buddhist monasteries.

Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple was restored and reconstructed on its original site, following the original layout, and built along the Xiushui River. It includes several traditional-style halls and pavilions such as the Mahavira Hall and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower.

On September 8, 2016, Rongzhou Kaiyuan Temple held its consecration ceremony and officially opened to the public.