Click here to enter photo gallery >>

- Location: Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province

Located on Guangxiao Road in Guangzhou, Guangxiao Temple (光孝寺) (Temple of Bright Filial Piety) occupies an important place in Chinese Buddhism. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-581), Zen Master Zhiyao, an Indian monk, traveled to Guangzhou via Tibet. He lectured on the site of the temple and planted a bodhi tree he had brought with him. In 749, the eminent Monk Jianzhen of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) stayed in the temple for a while.

The temple has a magnificent and imposing appearance. The Mahavira Hall is its main structure. Standing on a high platform, this stately hall is guarded by the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower on either side. Inside are three newly repaired statues of Buddha. The central one is Sakyamuni, with Manjusri on the left and Samantabhadra on the right. Together, they are called the "Three Sages of Avatamsa." The arches of the roof protrude in the typical style of the Tang Dynasty. Many temples in south China imitate the architectural style of Guangxiao Temple.

Travel Tips:

1. There are many excellent Cantonese restaurants near the temple;

- Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

- Admission: 5 yuan (free for Buddhists)

- How to get there:

            - Take bus No.4, 88, 186, 250 and 823;

            - Take subway Line 1.