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Guangxiao Temple

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Xiaoguang Temple (Bright Filial Temple) is one of the oldest temples in Guangzhou, with a long history of over 17 years.

The temple was originally the residence of Zhao Jiande, the great great grand son of Zhao Tuo, the Nanyue King in the Western Han Dynasty. During the Three Kingdoms Period, Yu Fan, a lord of the Wu State gave lectures here when he was exiled to what is today's Guangzhou area. At that time, Guangxiao Temple was called Yu Garden in memory of Yu Fan.

After Yu Fan's death, his family denoted the residence as a temple. That was the very beginning of the Guangxiao Temple.

Inside the temple stories a lot of historical relics. The Grief Bell in the temple was first set up in the 2nd year of Baoli's reign in the Tang Dynasty (826 A. D.). The bell is in the shape of mushroom and made of stone with Hercules' embossments around. Those embossments are vivid in facial expressions and well shaped and elegant in postures and they convey the spirits and soul of Buddhism thoroughly. There is a drum for the prayer meeting festival on the top of the drum tower and it corresponds to and chimes in the bell. Whenever there is a solemn prayer meeting festival, the bell and the drum will ring at the same time and the atmosphere is so dignified that visitors will be totally lost in the situation. The Grand Hall that was built in the Eastern Jin Period is stately and shows the profound details of Buddhism in Guangxiao Temple by its constant play of musical stones and cymbals. In addition, there is a washing bowl carved by dharma of the Southern Dynasty, stone bell of the Tang Dynasty, and the iron tower with thousands of Buddhist statues of the Song Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty and the Lying Buddhists Palace, which are all the precious historical items.

Edition HistoryEditLocation:

No. 109 Jinghui Road.

Edition HistoryEditTicket Price:

5 yuan

Edition HistoryEdit Opening Time:

6:00 - 17:00

Edition HistoryEdit How to get there:

Travelers can take buses No. 2, 31, 38, 103, 181, 186, 202, 239, 251, 260, 288, 538, 556, 823, 883 and get off at the Renmin North Road bus station or take subway No. 1 and get off at the Ximenkou station.

Edition HistoryEdit Tips:

1. The best time to visit: at the end of 8th lunar month when the Land-and-Water Prayer Meeting takes place.At that time, you can enjoy the beautiful scene of dense myrobalam trees and pipals as well. 

2. Food: The Guangxiao Temple is situated in Yuexiu District and there are a great many restaurants which mainly offer Cantonese cuisine. 

3. Please respect the custome of Buddhists when there.