Quanzhou, Fujian - China

Kaiyuan Temple

Zhenguo / Renshou Tower

History

As the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, the Kaiyuan Temple built in the 686 has attracted many domestic and foreign travelers. Most of the temple's architecture has special artistic features of the Tang (618-907), the Song (960-1279), the Yuan (1271-1368), the Ming (1368-1644), and the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties.

In front of Kaiyuan Temple are two imposing stone towers which are the highest pair of stone towers in entire China. The east one is called Zhenguo Tower and stands 158 feet high, while the west one is called Renshou Tower and stands 145 feet high. Due to their uniqueness, they are regarded as a special landmark of Quanzhou City.