Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees stands as one of Guangzhou's most significant Buddhist temples, renowned for its historical importance and architectural beauty. This ancient temple, with its iconic Flower Pagoda, has been a spiritual center for over 1,500 years.

Historical Background

Originally built during the Liu Song Dynasty (420-479), the temple was first named Baozhuangyan Temple. It underwent several name changes throughout its history, including Long Shou Temple during the Southern Han period and Jing Hui Temple during the Song Dynasty. The temple received its current name after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo visited and wrote the characters for "Six Banyan" in admiration of the six banyan trees in the temple grounds.

Main Attractions

The Flower Pagoda

The most striking feature of the temple is the Flower Pagoda (Hua Ta), an octagonal structure that stands 57.6 meters tall. Built during the Song Dynasty, it is the highest existing ancient pagoda in the Lingnan region. The pagoda features:

• Nine exterior levels with eight hidden levels
• Colorful architectural details that give it a flower-like appearance
• A copper column from 1358 with 1,023 Buddha images
• A 5-ton finial adorned with precious religious artifacts

The Main Hall

The Main Hall houses three magnificent copper Buddha statues cast in 1663:

• Each statue stands 6 meters tall and weighs 10 tons
• They represent Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha
• These are the largest ancient copper Buddha statues in Guangdong

The Sixth Patriarch Hall

This hall commemorates Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism, featuring:

• A copper statue of Master Huineng cast in 989
• Historical artifacts related to Zen Buddhism
• A peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
• Last admission at 5:00 PM
• Best visited in the morning for optimal lighting and to observe Buddhist ceremonies

Admission Fees

• Temple entrance: 5 RMB
• Pagoda climbing fee: 10 RMB

Transportation

By Metro:

• Take Line 2 to Memorial Hall Station
• Exit from D1 and walk west for about 500 meters

By Bus:

• Multiple routes available: 29, 56, 58, 85, 88, 102, 104, 107, etc.
• Alight at "Zhongshan 6th Road" station

Nearby Dining

Hui Min Restaurant (回民饭店)

Located at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Renmin Road, this restaurant offers:

• Halal Cantonese cuisine
• Signature dishes:
  • Iron plate fruit juice beef tenderloin
  • Steamed beef balls
  • Beef with pancakes
  • Lamb dumplings

Da Keyi Rice Noodle Roll Shop (大可以肠粉店)

A traditional Guangzhou breakfast spot near the temple:

• Address: 12 Jiangjun West Panyuan Street, Zhongshan 6th Road
• Specialties:
  • Rice noodle rolls with pork or beef (8-10 RMB)
  • Congee dishes
  • Traditional Cantonese breakfast items

Tips for Visitors

1. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness morning ceremonies
2. The temple is still an active place of worship - dress respectfully and be mindful of photography restrictions
3. Climbing the Flower Pagoda offers excellent views but requires good physical condition
4. Incense burning is allowed in designated areas only
5. The temple can be quite busy during Buddhist festivals and holidays

Religious Activities

The temple maintains an active schedule of Buddhist ceremonies and events:

• Daily morning and evening chanting
• Special ceremonies on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month
• Major celebrations during Buddhist festivals
• Regular meditation sessions

The Temple of Six Banyan Trees offers visitors a unique glimpse into Chinese Buddhist culture and architecture. Its historical significance, combined with its continued role as an active temple, makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in Chinese history, architecture, or Buddhist culture.