Baiyun Zen Temple is a relatively large existing ancient architectural complex in eastern Henan. It covers an area of 20,652 square meters and has a construction area of 1,310 square meters. It is known as one of the four famous temples in Central Plains together with White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Shaolin Temple in Songshan, and Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng. Baiyun Zen Temple has a long history and has experienced the vicissitudes of time.
It was built in the first year of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty (627 AD). It was destroyed by war in the Jin and Yuan Dynasties and was rebuilt by Venerable Master Jiexiu in the Ming Dynasty. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, Venerable Master Foding carried out a large-scale renovation and expansion. At that time, it covered an area of 546 mu. There were mountain gates, bell and drum towers on the second floor, five major Buddha halls, a scripture depository, and more than a thousand rooms in the east and west corridors. The architecture was magnificent, solemn and beautiful. The temple is full of pine and cypress trees, and Buddhist music lingers. There are many tourists. It was the heyday of the development of Baiyun Zen Temple. According to legend, when the temple was being built, it was the dog days of summer and extremely hot. The craftsmen were all sweating profusely. The blue bricks and square tiles were so hot that they were about to stop work. Suddenly, a white cloud appeared in the scorching sky and floated over the temple, like a huge umbrella covering the scorching sun, enabling the craftsmen to work normally in the shade. It was not until the temple was completed that the white cloud dispersed. The temple was thus named ‘Baiyun Zen Temple’. Opening hours: Open all year round from 10:00 to 18:00. Supplementary notes on preferential policies: 1. Free admission policy: Children under 0.7 meters in height are free of charge. 2. Preferential policies: Children between 0.7 and 1.2 meters in height, active servicemen with military officer certificates, and elderly people with senior citizen certificates can purchase discounted tickets for the scenic area. 3. The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the disclosure on the day at Baiyun Zen Temple scenic area in Minquan for specific details.
