[2025 Hefei Attraction] Travel Guide for Mingjiao Temple (Updated Jan)

Ancient Crossbow Platform, also known as Cao Cao's Command Platform. It was where Cao Cao trained his troops during the Three Kingdoms period and is one of Hefei's landmarks. The red wall is a 4.3-meter-high square, with a well and Ting Song Pavilion on the platform. The Mingjiao Temple on top is the largest and oldest temple in Hefei, with a Buddha Hall, Sutra Pavilion, and West Wing. The nearby Baolian Temple is solemn and majestic. The former residence of Li Hongzhang is a typical late Qing building, and there is also Beiyoufang Street, which faces Xiaoyaojin. Hefei's City God Temple, also known as Luzhou City God Temple, is a landmark building. The red walls and gray tiles of the main hall, the incense of the Niangniang Temple, the God of Wealth Hall, and the quiet Si Hui Lou, with the white walls and gray tiles of Huizhou architecture. Duan Family Ancestral Hall, Li Family Ancestral Hall, Huiguang Pavilion, Zhenxing Gate, ancient wells, and opera buildings. Outside the temple is a market, a street of folk culture, snacks, food, and time-honored brands, full of life.

#chinatrip Nestled in the heart of Hefei, Mingjiao Temple (明教寺) is a serene and historic Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, this ancient temple stands as a symbol of tranquility, spiritual devotion, and architectural beauty. The temple features traditional Chinese architecture, with intricately carved wooden beams, upturned eaves, and golden Buddha statues. Walking through the main hall, visitors are greeted by the majestic Buddha statue, surrounded by the scent of incense and the soft murmur of Buddhist chants. The temple grounds are dotted with ancient trees, peaceful courtyards, and stone inscriptions, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere for visitors. It also serves as a place for Buddhist ceremonies and cultural events, attracting both worshippers and tourists seeking a moment of peace. A highlight of Mingjiao Temple is its prayer halls, where visitors can light incense, make wishes, and observe traditional Buddhist rituals. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for a quiet retreat in the bustling city, Mingjiao Temple offers a sanctuary of peace and cultural heritage in Hefei.

Mingjiao Temple is located in the eastern section of Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, the busiest street in Hefei, Anhui Province. It is a Buddhist temple with a history of more than 1,700 years, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hefei, and a key national temple. Mingjiao Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. It was originally called Iron Buddha Temple, and was also called Mingjiao Temple, Mingjiao Terrace, or Cao Cao's Commanding Terrace. This Mingjiao Temple has nothing to do with the Mingjiao in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber." The temple was built on the Jiao Nu Terrace built by Cao Cao during the Three Kingdoms period, commonly known as "Cao Cao's Commanding Terrace." The Jiao Nu Terrace is 4.3 meters high, with an area of about 3,800 square meters, and is square in shape. It has been rebuilt and destroyed many times due to wars and natural disasters throughout history. It was rebuilt during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, and the current architectural style is the Ming Dynasty courtyard style, belonging to the Linji School of Zen Buddhism. The temple consists of three parts: the Buddha Hall, the Sutra Pavilion, and the West Wing Courtyard. The hall is divided into the main hall and the rear hall, with more than 30 Buddha statues enshrined. The mountain gate is built on a trapezoidal staircase, with a single-eave Xieshan-style roof; the Mahavira Hall has a double-eave Xieshan-style roof, which is magnificent. The overall layout of the temple is symmetrical, with high artistic value, and is one of the famous scenic spots in Jianghuai and one of the eight ancient scenic spots in Luyang. There are many historical relics, such as the ancient Jiao Nu Terrace, also known as the Commanding Terrace. According to historical records, during the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao came to Hefei four times, commanded the army, and built this high platform to train crossbow soldiers to resist the Eastern Wu navy. The temple is built on the original site of the platform; there are also Tang Dynasty Eight Immortals statues, Song Dynasty Su Dongpo's inkstone, the Well on the Roof named after the wellhead being higher than the roof ridge of the houses below the Jiao Nu Terrace, and the Ting Song Pavilion where Cao Cao observed the enemy's situation, the large bell cast during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty with the inscription "Jiao Nu Buddhist Bell," and other original ancient relics. Mingjiao Temple is adjacent to famous attractions such as the ancient Xiaoyaojin, Huaihe Road Pedestrian Street, Li Hongzhang's Former Residence, Bao Gong's Tomb, and Bao Gong's Temple, and is also a must-visit internet-famous spot in Hefei.

Anhui Hefei gives me the feeling of unadorned beauty. There is no excessive packaging near the attractions (I feel there is no packaging at all); it's simply integrated with daily life. The most impressive thing is the numerous pedestrian overpasses, the meticulous packaging of takeout food, and the vibrant life of this provincial capital city!