Baoguang Temple, Buddhist temple in Xindu district, Chengdu, China

Baoguang Temple is a Buddhist monastery in Xindu district, Chengdu, covering 100,000 square meters and supported by more than 400 large stone pillars. Its halls line a central axis, and between the Tianwang and Qifo halls stands the Sharira Stupa, a square, thirteen-storey, 30-metre-tall Tang-dynasty pagoda with a solid interior and a visible westward tilt.

The temple originated during the Tang Dynasty but was severely damaged during the Ming period and later rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. This reconstruction shaped its current appearance and blended architectural styles from different historical periods.

The Arhat Hall displays 500 clay figures representing Buddhist disciples, each crafted with distinct poses and facial expressions that show their individual personalities. Walking among these statues, you can observe the range of emotions and devotional attitudes they portray.

The grounds are walkable and you should allow enough time to move through all the main areas without rushing. The complex is larger than it first appears, so following the main routes helps you navigate efficiently.

The Sharira Stupa is solid inside, so visitors cannot enter it. Its tilt appeared after the upper section partly collapsed soon after construction; when the Ming dynasty restored it, the seventh floor and above were rebuilt leaning slightly west, giving the pagoda its lean.