Xiangguo Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
This age-old Xiangguo Temple is located in Kaifeng, Capital of Seven Dynasties, which was once the most prosperous city in the world. This temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in all of China.
History
The temple has had a turbulent history. It was first built in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420 - 589) when Chinese Buddhism was at a peak of power and popularity, but it was destroyed later during a war. The temple was rebuilt in 711 and reached its zenith during the Tang and Song dynasties. Numerous activities including Buddhist ceremonies, festivities, and ancestor worship were held in the temple. Destroyed by a Yellow River flood at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it was reconstructed again at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty.
In the Tang Dynasty, the Japanese monk Konghai, who came to China to learn Buddhism in Chang'an (now Xi'an), studied in the Xiangguo Temple. After his return to Japan, he preached Buddhism and also introduced the use of Chinese characters to write Japanese. In the Song Dynasty, Xiangguo Temple was the imperial reception center for foreign monks and ambassadors. Indeed, following a visit to the temple, Japanese monks built a Temple in Kyoto which was also titled "Xiangguo Temple" out of respect to the great Xiangguo Temple in China.
What to explore
Coming here, you will be surprised at the magnificent architecture and the well-arranged layout of the temple. The existing structures were mainly built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The buildings include Mountain Gate, Archway, Heavenly Kings Hall, Daxiongbaodian Hall (Hall of Sakyamuni), Arhat Hall and Sutra Hall. They are set on the north-south central axis with some other annexes built symmetrically on both sides.
Xiangguo Shuang Zhong
Stepping through the gate, you will first see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower as in most Buddhist temples. The bell hanging here weighs five tons and is 2.23 meters (7.3 feet) tall. Its grazioso sound echoes all over the city, especially in winter. Xiangguo Shuang Zhong (the beautiful sound of the bell on a frosty day) is one of the Eight Scenes of Bianjing (nowadays Kaifeng).
Heavenly Kings Hall
Inside Heavenly Kings Hall sits Maitreya (also called Future Buddha), a stout Buddha with a broad smile on his face and his breast and paunch exposed to the public. The Heavenly Kings are respectively standing beside Maitreya with sword, lute, blue umbrella and silver snake in their hands which represent feng, tiao, yu, shun (The four Chinese characters used to describe the optimal weather for agriculture). Behind Maitreya is the statue of a general called Wei Tuo, the protective god of Buddhism. As the legend goes, after the Nirvana of Sakyamuni, his relics were stolen by the devils. It was Wei Tuo who battled the devils and recovered the relics. He was then revered as Wei Tuo Buddha and worshiped in most Buddhist temples.
Daxiongbaodian Hall
Behind Heavenly Kings Hall is the grandiose Daxiongbaodian Hall (Hall of Sakyamuni), the main hall of the temple. Three Buddhas are worshiped here. Sakyamuni sits in the middle, Amitabha (Emitofo, guide of the Western Paradise) and Bhaisajyaguru (Yaoshifo, the God of Medicine).
Arhat Hall
The most remarkable structure in the temple is the Arhat Hall, which is also called Octagonal Glazed Hall. Inside, the towering Octagonal Pavilion houses a wooden statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, which was carved from the bole of a huge gingko tree during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty. The four sides of the statue are of the same sculpt. On each side, there are six big hands and three to four layers of small fanlike hands, with an eye on each palm. The number of the hands totals 1,048, and likewise the number of the eyes. The statue highly embodies the fine works of the Qing Dynasty. Don't you think it is amazing?
Sutra Hall
The magnificent two-storey Sutra Hall where the sutras are kept is the last tall building in the temple. It is to the north of Arhat Hall. Glazed lion ornaments line the ridges to the hall, tied with small bells, chiming beautiful music together with the breeze.
Annual activities
In addition, the temple holds annual activities like lantern exhibitions on the Lantern Festival, chrysanthemum exhibitions and the great prayer festival of water and land.
Lantern Festival
At the beginning of the lunar New Year, the annual Lantern Festival is held here. With the shining lanterns, fireworks, and sweet sound of songs and drums, the beautiful Temple foresees the peace and prosperity of the country and the happiness of people. Whenever there are cultural activities, people of all ages rush out to this ancient Temple where they can enjoy themselves through either appreciating beautiful lanterns or participating in various traditional performances.
Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Exhibition
In October, the Temple is fragrant with chrysanthemums. At that time it becomes a carnival of flowers and the best place for visitors to spend the festive season. Though it can get little chilly, it is a beautiful time to soak in the atmosphere and join in the festivities and take at the gorgeous flowers.
Prayer Ceremony
After the opening of the Kaifeng chrysanthemum exhibition, the annual prayer ceremony opens with praying for the peace of the world and the health of the people. The resounding recitation prays for a good harvest, prosperity and peace for the country; the resounding bell ring ensures the prosperity of Buddhism and this ancient Temple.
What to savor
When you are traveling in Kaifeng City, you may try some cuisine which adds glamour to your tour here.
- Carp with noodles, combining tender fish with thin noodles are a local specialty.
- Deep fried pork is also worth a try, its golden skin is crispy and crunchy.
- Tube chicken which gets its odd name because the slices of chicken curl into the shape of a tube after they are cooked is tasty.
- Kaifeng's meat-filled buns are famed throughout China.
- Finish off dinner with a sweet and crispy peanut cake for dessert.
When to visit
- Opening Hours: 07:00a.m. to 19:00p.m.
- Recommended Time for a Visit: 40 minutes
How to get there
- Bus Route: No. 5, 8, 9, 16, 19, 20, 23
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