Baotong Temple (宝通寺), with its rich history dating back over 1,580 years, stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of Wuhan, China. This ancient temple, originally founded during the Southern Dynasty, has undergone numerous name changes and renovations throughout the centuries. Today, it is a magnificent embodiment of architectural beauty and religious significance, making it one of the most revered and historic temples in Wuhan.
Baotong Temple’s origins can be traced back to the Liu Song Dynasty, during the period of 420-479 AD when it was initially known as Dongshan Temple. It underwent a series of name changes over the centuries, ultimately becoming Baotong Temple. During the Tang Dynasty, it was known as Mituo Temple, and in the Southern Song Dynasty, it was renamed Chongning Wanshou Temple. These name changes reflect the temple’s dynamic history and its continuous relevance throughout the ages.
The current Baotong Temple, as we see it today, was reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty in the fifth year of Guangxu’s reign (1879). It is renowned for its grandeur and meticulous architectural details, surpassing many other temples in Wuhan. One of the prominent features of Baotong Temple is its three-eyed springwater and the remarkable stones found on the temple’s mountain. These natural elements have contributed to the temple’s fame and tranquility. However, the most iconic structure within the temple grounds is the Hongshan Pagoda.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Baotong Temple
- Vlog about Baotong Temple
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Baotong Temple
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.baotongsi.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 16.00; Last admission: 15.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-027-87884539 |
Location and Transportation
Baotong Temple is situated at the southern foot of Hongshan Mountain in the Wuchang district of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Its precise address is 549 Wuluo Road. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 59, 401, 413, 503, 510, 518, 521, 538, 564, 576, 583, 593, 596, 618, 702, 703, 715, 723, 728, 797, 804, or 811 and get off at Baotong Temple Stop (宝通寺站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the temple is Baotongsi on line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit D, you wil be standing right at the entrance of the attraction.
Highlights of Baotong Temple
Hongshan Pagoda
The Hongshan Pagoda, originally known as Linji Pagoda, was built during the Yuan Dynasty and has undergone several renovations since. This towering structure stands at 45.6 meters and consists of seven levels. Visitors can enter through a small circular door at the base and ascend a series of steps that wind their way up to the top. From the pinnacle of the pagoda, breathtaking views of Wuhan unfold before your eyes. The East Lake sparkles like a mirror, and the Yangtze River flows gracefully like a ribbon. The Yangtze River Bridge stretches across hills, and the historic Jianghan Pass Tower stands tall in the distance.
Religious Artifacts
Baotong Temple is home to various religious artifacts that reflect the rich history of the temple and its spiritual significance. Among these are the Tang Dynasty cast iron Buddha, standing at an impressive 4 meters in height with a detailed and expressive seated posture. Additionally, the temple houses a remarkable artifact known as the “Wanjinzhong,” a massive iron bell cast in 1240. The bell’s body is made of iron, adorned with bronze around the edges, and is characterized by inscriptions that convey wishes for the emperor’s longevity, the enduring prosperity of his ministers, and the well-being of the nation and its people.
Memorial Grounds for Heroes
The historical significance of Baotong Temple extends beyond its architecture and religious artifacts. Its hallowed grounds serve as the resting place for numerous heroes and martyrs, with various memorial sites dedicated to their memory. One of these is the memorial for Shi Yang, a leader of the “Erqi” Strike, who served as the legal advisor for the Wuhan Workers’ Federation and the Jinghan Railway General Workers’ Union. After being arrested and executed for his role in the strike, he was initially buried on the western side of Hongshan. In 1953, his remains were relocated to Baotong Temple.
On the northern slopes of Hongshan, the “Gengzi Martyrs’ Tomb” commemorates the seven martyrs who opposed the rule of Empress Dowager Cixi and were killed by the imperial army. In the eastern section of Hongshan, there is a public cemetery for the officers and soldiers of the Northern Expedition who lost their lives during the 1926 campaign to capture Wuchang City. It is a place of honor and remembrance for those who made significant sacrifices in the pursuit of justice and freedom.
The Enigmatic Realm: Fajie Palace
Beyond the main hall of Baotong Temple, there lies a hidden treasure within the temple complex, the Fajie Palace. This enigmatic palace represents the esoteric teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism. Inspired by the Tang Dynasty’s Vajrayana Buddhism and its “Five Mandala” form, this palace was constructed after Master Chisong’s visit to Japan and his return to China. Originally, the palace featured intricately carved wooden structures, but these have since been lost to the ravages of time. Today, the palace is adorned with golden roof tiles and features five pavilions, each representing the cardinal directions and a central point, symbolizing the Five Buddhas. The pavilions are adorned with ornate carvings and flying eaves with claw-like brackets, demonstrating a rich blend of traditional and ethnic architectural elements. The presence of the Fajie Palace within the Baotong Temple complex makes it a unique and significant site, as it is the only Vajrayana Buddhist structure in the Wuhan region.
Vlog about Baotong Temple
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Lively Atmosphere: As you enter Baotong Temple, you’ll be greeted by a large tree and a multitude of pigeons scattered on the ground and perched on the tree branches and roof eaves. Additionally, you’ll notice a significant population of cats roaming around in the small forested area behind the temple.
Vegetarian Meals: The temple offers vegetarian meals starting as early as 10:00 AM. These meals are provided free of charge, and visitors can help themselves to the food and wash their own bowls afterward. The dishes are typically prepared with mild flavors, low oil, and low salt content. Due to the popularity of the meals, it’s advisable to either avoid peak dining times or arrive early if you wish to partake.
Baotong Temple’s Significance: Baotong Temple is renowned in Wuhan as a place where people come to pray for romantic relationships and marriages. One of the main attractions within the temple is the Jade Buddha Hall, where visitors can offer prayers and seek blessings for their romantic endeavors.
The ginkgo trees at Baotong Temple are still doing well. Recently, the sun has been shining beautifully, making it a perfect day to go there for some good fortune. You can take the subway to Baotong Temple Station and it’s just a 50m walk from there.
The entrance ticket is only ten yuan and once inside, you can buy incense for your prayers.
There are also some adorable and friendly little cats and pigeons there. The cats are very gentle, so if you visit, you might want to bring treats like cat snacks or canned cat food. That way, you can attract a bunch of cute little kitties!”
The free vegetarian meal at the temple is usually available around 11 o’clock. If you arrive late, there might not be any left.
Baotong Temple is definitely worth a visit, both for its architecture and its surroundings, as well as the nearby vegetarian restaurant. This is especially true in autumn when the foliage is beautifully vibrant.
Baotong Temple covers a large area, with the Hongshan hill behind it. The main halls in the front are grand and majestic. There are also many cats in the temple; I heard there are even more up the mountain, but I didn’t go up there since the weather in Wuhan is too hot.
I’ve passed by Baotong Temple many times, and this time I finally bought a ticket to take a look inside. Before coming, I had heard that there were many cats here, and sure enough, the rumors were true. Perhaps due to the hot weather, the cats were all gathered in the cool shade at the entrance, enjoying the tasty treats brought by the visitors.
Baotong Temple is known as the “Little Forbidden City” of Wuhan. With its yellow walls and blue tiles, it is especially picturesque for taking photos.
Inside the Baotong Temple in Wuhan, there are a lot of cute kittens, but it is not recommended to touch them. You can bring some cat food to feed them, and there are signs reminding visitors to keep a distance. The temple is quite big, and it takes around one and a half to two hours to explore it all. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent as there are quite a few mosquitoes inside, mainly in the back mountain.
Attractions near Baotong Temple: Baotong Temple is just one street away from the huge Wushang Dream Times Mall, very close by. It’s one stop away from Wuhan University subway station; about 35 minutes by subway from Yellow Crane Tower, or a 15-20 minute taxi ride; about 30 minutes by subway from the entrance to Donghu Liyuan, or a 15-minute taxi ride.