Xiangguo Temple

Xiangguo Temple, which was constructed in 555 in the Northern Qi (550-557) of Northern and Southern Dynasties, lies in the center of Kaifeng city. It is one of the famous temples in Chinese history and plays an important role in the development of Buddhism in China. The existing structures were mainly built during the Qing Dynasty.

The buildings include Mountain Gate, Paifang, Heavenly Kings Hall, Daxiongbaodian Hall (Hall of Sakyamuni), Arhat Hall and Sutra Hall. They are situated on the north-south central axis with some other annexes built symmetrically on both sides.

Passing through the gate, you can see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. The bell hanging here weighs five tons and is 2.23- meters (7.3 feet) tall and makes graceful sound that echoes all over the city, especially in winter. Xiang guo Shuang Zhong 'literally means the pleasant sound of the bell on a frosty day' is one of the Eight Scenes of Bianjing, today's Kaifeng.

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