Guangxiao Temple

Guangxiao Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Guangzhou comprising several interconnected buildings that showcase traditional Chinese architecture and contain wooden sculptures and ceremonial items. The complex spreads across a large area with halls designed in the classical style.

The site began as a residence for a Nanyue King in the 2nd century BCE and was converted into a temple during the Eastern Han Dynasty in 231 CE. This transformation marked the start of its religious purpose across the centuries.

The temple serves as the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Guangdong Province and displays a collection of wooden arhat sculptures from the Tang Dynasty that were discovered in 1950.

The temple is located at the northern end of Guangxiao Road in Yuexiu District and can be reached via metro line 1 at Ximenkou Station or by several bus routes. Access is straightforward since the site sits in a central location with good transport connections.

The sanctuary houses an Eastern Iron Pagoda dating from 967 CE, standing with seven tiers of cast iron construction. This rare medieval structure is one of the few surviving examples of its type from that era.