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CHINA | Guangzhou, China Travel Guide
Thursday, November 28, 2024
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Guangzhou's Temples, Mosques and Churches
Guangzhou's Temples, Mosques and Churches
With its international history, Guangzhou has places of worship for many denominations, but if you only have limited time, Six Banyans and Hualin temples are the ones to search out.
Chen Clan Temple
Set in the west of the city at Yin Long Li, this temple was founded in the late 19th century with money collected from families with the surname Chen (a common Cantonese family name). It was designed as both a place of ancestor worship and an educational center for future generations of Chens and managed to escape the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. The temple holds a series of colorful and ornately decorated courtyards with fine stonework and carved screens.
Huaisheng Mosque
Huaisheng Mosque, at Guangta Lu, reflects Guangzhou’s long trading history with the Arabic world and is the spiritual home of Guangzhou’s Hui people. Although access is restricted to Muslims, you can get a peek at Guangta, allegedly China’s oldest minaret, built by Abu Waqas in the seventh century. This area was known as Fanfang, or the foreigners’ enclave during the Ming dynasty and it remains a Muslim part of town with some good halal restaurants and niurou mian (beef noodle) canteens.
Hualin Temple
Hualin Temple at Hualin Xin Jie was founded by the Indian monk Bodhidharma in 526 AD, although the version you can see today dates from after the Cultural Revolution. The 500 life-size arhats that line the walls were added in the 17th century. Hualin is one of Guangzhou’s most vibrant and lively temples, especially if you visit during a festival.
Temple of the Five Immortals
Dedicated to the mythical five characters who supposedly founded Guangzhou, this temple at Huifu Xilu was first built in 1377, although it has recently had a major overhaul. Of most interest is the lofty bell tower, which contains a clapper-less five ton bell; if you hear this bell ringing, head for the hills as it’s supposed to mean impending disaster!
Temple of the Six Banyans
Just off Jiefang Bei Lu at Liu Rong Lu, and set amidst a crop of religious stalls and shops, this is one of Guangzhou’s most celebrated and active temples. It was named in the 11th century by the poet Su Dongpo for its six banyans (liu rong), all of which have subsequently died. There is also a Guanyin Temple within the grounds, but these days, Liu Rong Temple is more famous for the towering Flower Pagoda (Hua Ta) which stands beside it. Although it appears as if there are only nine stories from the outside, there are actually 17 levels to this 187-foot tower. The stairway is cramped and the upper floors were closed at the time of writing, so check before paying the extra ¥9 to ascend the tower, but if you can get all the way to the top you’ll be rewarded with good views.
Last updated October 2, 2008
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