Guanghua Temple, Buddhist temple in Chengxiang District, China
Guanghua Temple sits at the base of Mount Phoenix and contains multiple halls, pavilions, and a broad stone staircase leading up to its main buildings. The grounds include a memorial gate, a fangsheng pool, a mountain-view gate, a heavenly kings palace, and the large Mahavira hall.
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 resident monks perform daily Buddhist rituals that visitors can observe during their time here. These ceremonies show living practices that have been passed down through centuries.
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.
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