Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as Liurong Temple, is a 1,400-year-old Buddhist sanctuary in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu District, celebrated for its Ming Dynasty pagoda and ancient banyan grove. Established in 537 CE during the Liang Dynasty, it has served as a pivotal center for Chan Buddhism in Southern China. The temple’s Hua Zang Pagoda (Flowery Repository Pagoda), a 57-meter-tall octagonal brick tower rebuilt in 1373, remains a landmark of Lingnan architecture.
Historical Overview
Founded in 537 CE by monk Xiao Yu, the temple was originally named Baoyang Youguo Temple. It gained prominence in 917 CE during the Southern Han Dynasty, when it became a royal temple. In 1100 CE, poet Su Shi visited and renamed it “Six Banyan Temple” after admiring six ancient banyan trees. The pagoda was first erected in 1097 CE, destroyed in 1353 CE, and rebuilt under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty. During the 19th century, it survived British bombardment and served as a Red Army base in 1927. Post-1949 renovations restored its Qing Dynasty layout, and in 1997, it was recognized as a national treasure.
Structural Layout
The temple follows a traditional Chan Buddhist layout with three key areas:
- Central Axis:
Shanmen (Mountain Gate): Guarded by two Ming Dynasty lions.
Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian): Houses a 4.5m-tall gilded Sakyamuni statue from 1668.
Hua Zang Pagoda: A 13-story tower with 1,024 carved Buddha niches and a spiral staircase to the top.
- East Wing:
Six Banyan Hall (Liurongtang): Dedicated to the temple’s namesake trees, with a 900-year-old banyan at its center.
Bell Tower: Cast in 1378, its bronze bell chimes daily at 6 AM and 6 PM.
- West Wing:
Sutra Repository (Zangjingge): Stores a 1,300-year-old Diamond Sutra and a 17th-century wooden fish drum.
Monastic Quarters: Restored Ming-style buildings with courtyard gardens.
Major Attractions
Hua Zang Pagoda: A Ming Dynasty masterpiece with a 1,000-kg iron steeple and views of Guangzhou’s skyline.
Six Banyan Hall: A pavilion surrounded by 12 ancient banyan trees, the oldest dating to the Tang Dynasty.
Mahavira Hall Statue: A seated Sakyamuni flanked by 18 arhats, carved from a single camphorwood log.
Tang Dynasty Stone Stele: A 781 CE engraving of the Avatamsaka Sutra, found beneath the pagoda in 1989.
Jade Buddha Gallery: A 19th-century jade statue of Guanyin, donated by Burmese pilgrims.
Bamboo Shadow Garden: A Qing Dynasty rockery pond with lotus blossoms and bamboo groves.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–1.5 hours):
Shanmen → Mahavira Hall → Hua Zang Pagoda → Six Banyan Hall → Exit.
Highlights: Pagoda climb and iconic banyan trees.
- Cultural Route (2–3 hours):
Add the Sutra Repository, Bell Tower, and a 30-minute calligraphy class (¥80 materials fee).
Highlights: Religious texts and traditional arts.
- Zen Retreat Route (Half Day):
Morning: Mahavira Hall, Bamboo Shadow Garden, and a vegetarian lunch (¥25) at the temple café.
Afternoon: Meditation in the Lotus Pond Pavilion and a guided tour of the Tang Dynasty stele.
Highlights: Mindfulness practices and historical artifacts.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the temple’s WeChat official account (LiurongSi) up to 3 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at the Shanmen; arrive by 8 AM to avoid queues.
Prices: Free
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/2: Gongyuanqian Station (Exit I), 5-minute walk. Line 6: Haizhu Square Station (Exit B2), 8-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 6, 66, 125, or 183 to Liurong Road Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Guangzhou Liurong Si” (¥10–15 from Tianhe District).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–1 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and Buddhist festivals (e.g., Buddha’s Birthday in May) are busiest.
Weather: Autumn (October–December) for crisp air; summer (June–August) requires sun protection.
Essentials: Wear quiet footwear, bring water, and respect no-photography zones in prayer halls.
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to Guangzhou Museum (2km north) for a cultural trio: temple, museum, and park.
