Dafo Temple(Guangzhou)
Dafo Temple, also known as the "Great Buddha Temple," is a historic Buddhist sanctuary in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu District, renowned for its 1,000-year-old legacy and the largest indoor bronze Buddha in Southern China. Established in 917 CE during the Southern Tang Dynasty, it has served as a spiritual beacon through dynastic shifts, wars, and modernization. The temple’s Grand Hall houses a 6-meter-tall seated Buddha cast in 1921, weighing 12 tons and adorned with 240 kilograms of gold leaf. A UNESCO-recognized site for cultural preservation, it blends Song Dynasty architecture with modern restoration, offering a serene escape amid Guangzhou’s urban sprawl.
Historical Overview
Founded in 917 CE under Emperor Lieyu of the Southern Tang, Dafo Temple was rebuilt in 1654 during the Qing Dynasty after destruction by fire. It gained prominence under Emperor Kangxi, who granted it the title "Lingyan Temple of the Great Buddha." The temple survived the Second Opium War (1856–1860) and served as a Red Army hospital during the 1927 Guangzhou Uprising. Post-1949 renovations restored its Ming-Qing architectural style, and in 1986, a bronze Buddha was installed, solidifying its status as a key Buddhist pilgrimage site in Lingnan.
Structural Layout
The temple follows a traditional three-axis layout:
- Central Axis:
Shanmen (Mountain Gate): Flanked by the Heavenly Kings Hall.
Grand Hall (Daxiongbaodian): Houses the colossal bronze Buddha and 28 guardian deities.
Scripture Hall (Zangjinglou): Stores rare Tang Dynasty woodblock sutras and a 1,300-year-old Blood Sutra.
- East Axis:
Bell Tower: Cast in 1654, inscribed with Buddhist texts.
Monastic Dormitories: Restored Ming-style courtyards.
- West Axis:
Drum Tower: Paired with the Bell Tower, used for daily chants.
Bonsai Garden: Features miniature Pinus armandii trees over 200 years old.
Major Attractions
Grand Buddha Statue: A 6m-tall, 12-ton bronze figure with a 3.8m-wide lapis lazuli halo.
Tang Dynasty Blood Sutra: A rare manuscript written in cinnabar ink, dating to 803 CE.
Qing Dynasty Mural Gallery: 12 frescoes depicting the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra.
Bamboo Grove Garden: A tranquil space with 18th-century stone carvings of the 16 Arhats.
Moon Pavilion (Yueju): A hexagonal pavilion offering views of the temple’s lotus pond.
Incense Burner Plaza: A 500kg bronze burner where visitors light joss sticks for blessings.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–1.5 hours):
Shanmen → Grand Hall → Scripture Hall → Incense Burner Plaza → Exit.
Highlights: Core Buddha statue and historic sutras.
- Cultural Route (2–3 hours):
Add the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and a 30-minute sutra-copying workshop (¥50 materials fee).
Highlights: Architectural symmetry and calligraphy experience.
- Zen Immersion Route (Half Day):
Morning: Grand Hall, Bamboo Grove Garden, and a vegetarian lunch (¥30) at the temple café.
Afternoon: Mural Gallery and a 1-hour guided meditation session.
Highlights: Mindfulness practices and culinary traditions.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the temple’s WeChat official account in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at the Shanmen; arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Prices: free
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/2: Gongyuanqian Station (Exit F), 8-minute walk. Line 6: Haizhu Square Station (Exit B1), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 3, 6, 66, 101, or 128 to Beijinglu Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Guangzhou Dafo Si” (¥12–15 from Tianhe District).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and Buddhist festivals (e.g., Buddha’s Birthday in May) are busiest.
Weather: Autumn (October–December) for mild temperatures; summer (June–August) requires hydration.
Essentials: Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), bring cash for incense, and respect silence in prayer halls.
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to Chen Clan Academy (1.5km west) for a full day of cultural exploration.
