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Guangxiao Temple

光孝寺 · 광저우시

8 story sections

Buddhist temple in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Guangxiao Temple

    Welcome to Guangxiao Temple, a site of such antiquity and importance that a local proverb states, 'Before the city of Guangzhou existed, there was Guangxiao Temple.' As you stand at the entrance, you are stepping onto ground that…

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  2. 2Mahavira Hall: The Golden Heart

    The Mahavira Hall, or Daxiong Baodian, is the architectural and spiritual centerpiece of Guangxiao Temple. As you approach, note the striking golden-yellow tiles of the roof. …

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  3. 3The Hair Burial Pagoda and the Bodhi Tree

    Behind the Mahavira Hall lies one of the most spiritually significant spots in all of China for Zen Buddhists: the Hair Burial Pagoda, or Maifa Ta. This modest, octagonal structure marks the spot where, in the year 676, the Sixth…

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  4. 4The Ancient Iron Pagodas: Relics of the Tenth Century

    Guangxiao Temple is home to two of the oldest and most precious iron pagodas in China, dating back to the year 963 during the Southern Han period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. These structures are rare survivors of…

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  5. 5The Thai Buddha Hall: A Gift of International Friendship

    As you move through the temple grounds, you may be surprised to encounter a building that looks distinctly different from the traditional Chinese structures. This is the Thai Buddha Hall, or Taifu Dian. …

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  6. 6The Sixth Ancestor Hall: The Zen Legacy

    The Sixth Ancestor Hall, or Zudang, is dedicated specifically to the memory of Huineng. Within this hall, you will find a revered statue of the master, often depicted in a state of deep meditation. …

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  7. 7The Bell and Drum Towers: Marking Sacred Time

    Flanking the main courtyard are the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, essential components of any major Chinese Buddhist temple. Traditionally, the bell is struck in the morning to 'wake up' the spiritual world, while the drum is…

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  8. 8Closing

    As we conclude our journey through Guangxiao Temple, I hope you carry with you a sense of the immense historical and spiritual weight this site holds. From its origins as a royal palace to its current status as a beacon of Zen…

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What is Guangxiao Temple?

Guangxiao Temple is a place in 광저우시 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
Location광저우시
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates23.1321, 113.2510
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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