Guangxiao Temple

Located on Guangxiao Road, Yuexiu District, Guangxiao Temple is one of the historical and top-rated temples in Guangzhou. The name of the temple has been changed several times. In 1961, it was listed as an important heritage site under state protection by the State Council.

What’s to see

Great Buddha’s Hall

The statues on the shrine are three respectful saints, Sakyamuni in the middle, Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva were placed along the side. Surprisingly, wooden arhats were found in the Buddha’s belly and proven to be relics of the Tang dynasty. Now they are stored in the Guangdong Museum.

East and West Iron Towers

East and West Iron Towers are on the side of Great Buddha’s Hall, built in the Southern Han dynasty. The east iron tower has seven layers with 7.69 meters high, while the west iron tower has collapsed, remaining three layers only. Thousands of small shrines were carved into the tower and gilded during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of Qing dynasty. On the base, it carved with dragons and lotus, looking elegant and historical. 

Sleeping Buddha Hall

The Sleeping Buddha Hall is on the west side of Great Buddha’s Hall. The sleeping Buddha is made by Myanmar white jade, with the total length for 4 meters, weighing 6 tons, carved the image after Sakyamuni finished nirvana.

The Hair-inhumed Pagoda

It’s an exquisite seven-storey octagonal pagoda with 7.8 meter high, where respectful master Hui Neng cut hair and hided it in the pagoda. It’s a rare pagoda built in Tang dynasty, carving vivid like shrines and statues on each side, a historical site to visit!

Sixth Ancestor Hall

Sixth Ancestor Hall, near the Hair-inhumed Pagoda, was built in the Northern Song dynasty in honor of Hui Neng, a famous master in Buddhist history. The statue carved with peaceful facial expression. Outside of the hall, a large Bodhi tree was planted by eminent monk Zhi Yue San Zang, verdant and charming tree which is award praised as one of the eight sights of Guangzhou.