Guiyuan Temple (归元寺), also known as the Guiyuan Zen Temple, is a remarkable Buddhist monastery located in Wuhan, China. Founded by Master Baiguang in the 15th year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, which corresponds to the year 1658 AD, this temple has a rich history and stands as a significant cultural and religious site in the region. Spanning an area of 153 acres, Guiyuan Temple boasts over 200 buildings, with an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures comprising more than 7,000 volumes.
It is renowned for its ancient trees, lush gardens, and serene atmosphere, often referred to as the “One of a Kind Place in Western Hubei.” Additionally, it serves as the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Wuhan and is one of the four major Chan (Zen) temples in the city, alongside Baotong Temple, Lianxi Temple, and Gude Temple.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Guiyuan Temple
- Vlog about Guiyuan temple
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Guiyuan temple
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Normal Days: 10 RMB Holidays: 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-027-84844756 |
Location and Transportation
Guiyuan Temple is situated at 20 Guiyuan Temple Road, Hanyang District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Its presence offers a serene and spiritual oasis amid the bustling urban environment of Wuhan, inviting people to explore its rich history, architectural beauty, and profound cultural significance. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 26, 42, 413, 531, 535, 541, 553, 585, 607, 608, 637, 705, 707, 710, 711, 740, or 803, get off at Hanyang Avenue Hanyan Railway Station Stop (汉阳大道汉阳火车站), and walk about 500 meters to the south to reach the temple.
Metro: The closest metro station to Guiyuan Temple is Zhongjiacun (钟家村) on line 4 and line 6. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 550 meters to the southwest to reach the temple.
Highlights of Guiyuan Temple
The Main Hall – Daxiong Hall
Daxiong Hall, the main hall of Guiyuan Temple, serves as the central point for the daily religious activities of the temple’s monks. It was initially constructed in the 18th year of the Shunzhi era (1661) and has undergone multiple renovations over the years. The current Daxiong Hall was rebuilt in the 34th year of the Guangxu era (1908). In the hall’s center stands an imposing statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by depictions of his disciples, Ananda and Kasyapa. On the hall’s side walls, you can find stone carvings of the Eighteen Arhats. The prominent calligraphy on the plaque that reads “大雄宝殿” was inscribed by Feng Jiahao, a renowned calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty.
The Scripture Repository – Cangjing Ge
Cangjing Ge, the scripture repository, is the place where Buddhist scriptures and artistic treasures are preserved. Initially built in the 8th year of the Kangxi era (1669), it suffered damage during wartime. However, it was reconstructed in the 14th year of the Guangxu era (1888). The current repository stands at approximately 25 meters in height, consisting of two floors with five rooms and is a prime example of traditional wooden architecture in Wuhan. At its heart, a white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined, a remarkable gift from Burmese Buddhist disciples in August 1935. This statue, weighing approximately 2 tons, was meticulously carved from a single piece of milky-white jade, measuring about 3 meters in height, and is recognized as one of the “Four Great Jade Buddhas of China” from the 1930s.
The Arhat Hall – Luohan Tang
The Arhat Hall within the temple was initially constructed during the Qing Dynasty in the reign of Daoguang Emperor. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during conflicts in the year 1852, and it took until 1902 for the hall to be fully reconstructed. The Arhat Hall houses over five hundred statues. The design of these statues is based on rubbings taken from the Five Hundred Arhats Stone Carvings at Zusheng Temple on Mount Heng in Hunan province. Employing a unique “removal sculpture” technique, two sculptors from Huangpi dedicated nine years to creating this exquisite collection of arhat sculptures.
The Two-Faced Guanyin Statue
One of Guiyuan Temple’s most iconic features is the two-faced Guanyin Bodhisattva statue. Crafted from brass and surrounded by a white marble railing, this awe-inspiring statue stands at a towering 18.8 meters atop a 3-meter-high lotus platform, weighing a staggering 20 tons. The two-faced Guanyin embodies the essence of Guanyin as a deity of compassion and mercy. This statue is often referred to as the Holy Guanyin Statue.
Guiyuan Proper Collection Library
The Guiyuan Proper Collection Library is a modern Buddhist-themed library initiated and co-built by the temple and its devoted followers. Covering an area of nearly 14,000 square meters, it is the first such library in China where a temple plays a leading role in the library’s creation and makes its resources accessible to the public. The library’s initial collection primarily comprises Buddhist texts, gradually expanding to include books from various genres. The total collection now includes 200,000 volumes, with 40% dedicated to Buddhist literature and 60% to other genres of literature.
Vlog about Guiyuan temple
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Entrance Etiquette: Enter through the side entrance and be mindful not to step on the threshold. For males, step in with the left foot and out with the right foot; for females, step in with the right foot and out with the left foot.
Wishing at the Fish Pond: Visitors can toss coins into the fish pond to make wishes. Watching the fish can also be quite enjoyable and peaceful.
Dining Options: After exiting the Luohan Hall, on the right side, you’ll find the area for dining on vegetarian meals. On the second floor, there is a popular café with an average price of around 30 yuan per cup. It offers a variety of flavors to choose from.
Wishing Tree: Purchase a red silk ribbon and write your wishes on it. Then, tie it onto the wishing tree. This tradition is believed to help your wishes come true.
