Guiyuan Temple

Guiyuan Temple is a Buddhist temple in Hanyang featuring five courtyards connected by stone pathways and surrounded by garden spaces. The complex includes multiple worship halls, decorative gardens, and a rectangular pond inhabited by turtles swimming among metal lotus flowers.

Construction began under Buddhist monk Bai Guang and was completed in 1658, making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Hubei Province. This early foundation marks its importance as a center for religious life in the region since that time.

Believers and visitors walk through spaces where daily religious practices happen naturally, with monks moving through courtyards and prayer areas. The temple functions as a living place of worship where traditions continue in a way that welcomes those passing through to observe.

The temple is located on Cuiweiheng Lu and welcomes both worshippers and visitors to explore the grounds at a comfortable pace. A vegetarian restaurant called Yunjizhai operates on-site if you want to eat during your visit.

The Arhat Hall contains 500 individually carved and gold-painted wooden statues of Buddhist saints that two sculptors created over nine years. This extensive hand-carved collection represents one of the largest and most detailed assemblies of such figures in China.