Kaiyuan Temple in Tainan

Kaiyuan Temple in Tainan

Kaiyuan Temple in Tainan is a cultural tourism attraction.

Kaiyuan Temple in Tainan is located in North District, Tainan City. Originally built in the 29th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1690), it is one of Taiwan’s most famous temples. Situated at the mouth of the Chaitougang River where it meets the sea, it was initially named “Haihui Temple.” However, as it was the first government-sponsored Buddhist temple in Taiwan, it was later renamed “Kaiyuan Temple” following the example set by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.

Kaiyuan Temple in Tainan has had a profound influence on the development of modern Taiwanese Buddhism. On August 19, 1985 (the 74th year of the Republic of China), it was designated as a second-class historical site and is also one of the Seven Temples and Eight Shrines of the Taiwan Prefecture City. The temple faces east and, after renovation by Jiang Yuanshu, consists of a four-hall complex with two side wings, representing a typical Garan Seven Halls monastic layout. Visitors enter through the mountain gate on Beiyuan Street to find a spacious temple courtyard, with a stele pavilion located on the north side of the courtyard. Beyond the courtyard lies the Sanchuan Gate, which is five bays wide at the center and features three pairs of door gods painted by renowned Tainan artist Cai Caoru. These include central depictions of Skanda and Sangharama, along with the Four Heavenly Kings on either side. Above the Sanchuan Gate hangs a plaque inscribed with “Kaiyuan Temple,” while inside hangs one reading “Little Western Heaven.” The gate is also flanked by couplets written by Lin Chaoying, a celebrated scholar of the Qing Dynasty—these are the only surviving calligraphic works by him in Taiwan.

Additionally, the Seven-String Bamboo and Poetic Soul Stele within Kaiyuan Temple are also popular attractions. It is said that the Seven-String Bamboo was planted by Lady Dong, the mother of Zheng Jing, and is a rare and unique variety originating from Wolonggang in Henan Province, seldom seen in Taiwan.

Tainan Kaiyuan Temple

Must-visit reason: Taiwan’s earliest government-established temple