The Guiyuan Buddhist Temple is highly revered in Wuhan, China, situated in Wuhan’s Hanyang District. Dubbed ‘the temple of original purity, its tranquil environs exude an aura of piety.
How to get there
The temple can be reached via metro lines 4 and 6 to Zhongjiacun. Thereafter, it’s a short walk to the temple. Alternatively, several bus routes go by the temple. Many Wuhan serviced apartments and hotels are located within an easy distance from the temple, including Somerset Wusheng Wuhan.
Facts
The Guiyuan Temple, spread across 46,900 square metres, was constructed in 1658 during the Qing dynasty. It consists of 5 courtyards, with the eastern courtyard serving as the symbolic entrance to the temple.
Northern Courtyard
Upon entry, you will find the northern courtyard on your right. This courtyard houses the Depository of Buddhist Texts, a 2-storied pavilion consisting of several halls. The building features several Buddhist relics, sutras, stone sculptures, wood carvings, and foreign texts.
Southern Courtyard
In the southern courtyard is the renowned Hall of Arhats. This hall comprises 500 golden arhats (Buddhist disciples) organised to match a Chinese character. The arhats were sculpted over several years, and each bears a different facial expression.
Central Courtyard
The central courtyard houses the Great Buddha’s Hall, also known as Daxiong Hall. The hall, constructed in 1661, features a giant statue of Sakyamuni with a few other sculptures of religious deities.
