Xiangguo Temple

Located in downtown of Kaifeng city, Xiangguo Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China.

The Temple is said to have been the residence of Prince Wuji (also called Xin Lin Jun) in the Wei State of the Warring Period. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the war and never rebuilt until the 2nd year of Jingyun in the Period of the Tang Dynasty (711A.D).The Emperor Ruizong of the Tang Dynasty renamed the Temple “Xiangguo” and inscribed the name himself in A.D. 712 in order to celebrate his ascension to the throne.

Like most of the Buddhist temples in China, the main axis consists of an arch gate, Devajara Hall (Hall of Heavenly Kings), Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian), an octagonal glazed hall (Arhat Hall) and the Sutra-Keeping Hall. Side rooms flank the axis on each side. The whole complex features Qing-style architecture.

A wooden statue of a Bodhisattva carved out of a gingko trunk and found in the Arhat Hall is most impressive. The Bodhisattva has 1048 hands and on each hand is a small sacred eye. A group carving of five hundred Arhats is also attractive.

Nowadays the temple resembles the rebuilding that was made during the Qing Dynasty, 1976, although restoration has taken place many times since then. The temple has also been affected by modern commercialism, and the entertainments center in the front courtyard is the worst of this. After 1949, it was restored by the Chinese government. Now the place has become a major tourist attraction because of its intact temple buildings and Buddha statues.

At the beginning of the lunar New Year, the annual Lantern Festival is held here. With the shining lanterns, fireworks, and sweet sound of songs and drums, the beautiful Temple foresees the peace and prosperity of the country and the happiness of people. Whenever there are cultural activities, people of all ages rush out to this ancient Temple where they can enjoy themselves through either appreciating beautiful lanterns or participating in various traditional performances. In October, the Temple is fragrant with chrysanthemums. After the opening of the Kaifeng chrysanthemum exhibition, the annual prayer ceremony opens with praying for the peace of the world and the health of the people. The resounding recitation prays for a good harvest, prosperity and peace for the country; the resounding bell ring blesses the prosperity of Buddhism and this ancient Temple.