Guangzhou Dafo Temple

Guangzhou Dafo Temple Introduction

Dafo Temple 大佛寺

Opening Hours: 8:00-21:00

Lighting Hours: 19:00-21:30

Admission: Free

Address: No. 21 Huixin Middle Street, Huifu East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City 广州市越秀区惠福东路惠新中街21号

Situated amidst the vibrant hub of Guangzhou, Dafo Temple offers a tranquil retreat. Found in the heart of Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuexiu District, this temple traces its origins to the Southern Han Dynasty (917-971 AD). Reconstructed in 1663, it harmonizes imperial and local Lingnan architectural styles. Housing three monumental bronze Buddha statues, it's affectionately known as "Dafo Temple." Despite multiple renovations, it stands as a dignified witness to Guangzhou's past. A visit to Beijing Road isn't complete without experiencing the serene ambiance of Dafo Temple, where the lively cityscape outside contrasts with the peaceful sanctuary within.

What to see in Dafo Temple?

Shanmen: The main entrance is adorned with the inscription "Dafo Temple".

Bell Tower and Drum Tower: Symbolic structures flanking the Shanmen.

Main Hall (Daxiong Baodian): Houses a spectacular giant Buddha statue.

Hall of Guardian Deities (Jialan Dian): Honors one of the Dharma protectors.

Scripture Repository (Cangjing Ge): Houses precious Buddhist scriptures and artifacts.

Hall of the Sixth Patriarch (Liu Zu Dian): Contains a bronze statue of Zen Master Huineng.

Hall of Five Hundred Arhats (Wubai Luohan Tang): Displays lifelike statues of five hundred arhats.

Library: Offers a collection of Buddhist literature and audiovisual materials for visitors.

Dining Hall (Zhaitang): Provides delicious vegetarian meals at affordable prices.

Back Garden: Features pavilions, ponds, and beautiful flora, creating a serene ambiance.

The temple also boasts many other attractions and structures, allowing visitors to tailor their experience based on personal interests and time constraints.

Dafo Temple Travel Tips

1. Offer three free joss sticks for prayers at the Main Hall.

2. Use merit donation boxes (with QR code payment) or pay for lamp lighting (starting from CNY 10 each) or write blessing cards.

3. Explore Guangdong's first temple library.

4. Buy temple-related souvenirs at the exit, including talismans and prayer beads.

5. Enjoy renowned vegetarian meals at the Pu Jue Tower. Buffet costs CNY 108/person on regular days and CNY 138/person on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month (updated in May 2024). À la carte dining is available at Dong Ge Lou.

6. Lights are on from 19:00 to 21:00, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of scenes from Hayao Miyazaki's film "Spirited Away."

7. Remember to avoid loud noises and only take photos of the temple's architecture and surroundings, refraining from capturing images of Buddha statues.