Guanghua Temple, Buddhist temple in Chengxiang District, China

Guanghua Temple stands at the eastern foot of Mount Phoenix (also called South Mountain), about 2 km south of Putian. Its axis runs from a paifang and the Fangsheng Pond through the Gaoshanmen, Tianwang Hall and Daxiongbao Hall to the Dharma Hall, with Qielan, Sanzang and Dizang halls. A 10-metre stone staircase of 199 steps leads up in front of the temple, and the grounds cover more than 32,000 square metres.

The site was founded in 558 as Jinxian Monastery and received its current name in 589 from Emperor Wen of the Sui dynasty. The temple suffered major losses during 1966 to 1976 but was restored in 1979.

The temple keeps a "three noes" rule: no tickets, no commercial outlets, no paid sutra chanting. Since 1983 it has housed the Fujian Buddhist Academy's male division and a large Buddhist book distribution centre founded by Yuanzhou. Each May and October it runs the five- to six-day "Journey of Blessing and Wisdom" for people under 30, with vegetarian meals, lectures and temple chores.

The grounds are walkable on stone paths and sit on a hillside, so expect stairs as you move around. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are present.

From 1966 to 1976, the grounds served as a factory, causing the loss of many religious objects. This turbulent period made its later restoration an important chapter in the temple's modern story.