Dafo Temple (大佛寺, Grand Buddha Temple), originally known as Xincang Temple, was founded during the Southern Han Dynasty (917-971 AD) and is an important historical site in Guangzhou, China. It was established by Liu Yan, the emperor of the Southern Han, in accordance with the twenty-eight constellations, leading to the construction of seven Buddhist temples in each of the four cardinal directions, collectively known as the “Twenty-eight Temples of Southern Han.”
During the Yuan Dynasty, the temple was rebuilt on its original site and renamed Futian An. It underwent significant renovations during the Ming Dynasty, when it was renamed Longcang Temple, solidifying its status as one of the “Five Great Forests” of Buddhism in Guangzhou. However, due to historical circumstances, only the Mahavira Hall remains today, while the other halls have been repurposed for residential use.
Since Master Yaozhi took over as the abbot in 1996, efforts have been made to restore Dafo Temple, which has since flourished. The temple complex now spans over 30,000 square meters, featuring various halls, including the Hall of Pizhu, Guanyin Hall, and Heavenly King Hall, reminiscent of its former grandeur.
The Mahavira Hall faces south, measuring 36.32 meters wide and 25.36 meters deep, supported by 19 beams and six columns. The hall’s impressive structure includes large beams, some measuring over 70 centimeters in thickness, decorated with intricate carvings. Notably, the massive camphor wood pillars, donated by the king of Annam (modern-day Vietnam), have remained intact for nearly 350 years.
Dafo Temple is renowned for its three 6-meter-tall and 10-ton brass Buddha statues, which are the largest of their kind in Guangdong Province. The central statue represents Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by Amitabha Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, symbolizing the past, present, and future, respectively. These exquisite statues are crafted in five sections and were cast during the Qing Dynasty, showcasing remarkable artistry. A 4-meter-tall and 5-ton Guanyin statue was also created at the same time, further enriching the temple’s spiritual atmosphere.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 21.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-020-83335678 0086-020-83393455 |
Location and Transportation
Dafo Temple is located at 21 Huixin Middle Street, Huifudong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 3, 66, 541, or B8 and get off at Beijing Road Intersection Stop (北京路口站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Dafo Temple is Beijing Road (北京路) on line 6. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 350 meters to the north to reach the attraction.
