Dafo Temple(Guangzhou)
Dafo Temple, also known as the "Great Buddha Temple," is a historic Buddhist sanctuary in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu District, renowned for its 1,000-year-old legacy and the largest indoor bronze Buddha in Southern China. Established in 917 CE during the Southern Tang Dynasty, it has served as a spiritual beacon through dynastic shifts, wars, and modernization. The temple’s Grand Hall houses a 6-meter-tall seated Buddha cast in 1921, weighing 12 tons and adorned with 240 kilograms of gold leaf. A UNESCO-recognized site for cultural preservation, it blends Song Dynasty architecture with modern restoration, offering a serene escape amid Guangzhou’s urban sprawl.
Historical Overview
Founded in 917 CE under Emperor Lieyu of the Southern Tang, Dafo Temple was rebuilt in 1654 during the Qing Dynasty after destruction by fire. It gained prominence under Emperor Kangxi, who granted it the title "Lingyan Temple of the Great Buddha." The temple survived the Second Opium War (1856–1860) and served as a Red Army hospital during the 1927 Guangzhou Uprising. Post-1949 renovations restored its Ming-Qing architectural style, and in 1986, a bronze Buddha was installed, solidifying its status as a key Buddhist pilgrimage site in Lingnan.
Structural Layout
The temple follows a traditional three-axis layout:
- Central Axis:
Shanmen (Mountain Gate): Flanked by the Heavenly Kings Hall.
Grand Hall (Daxiongbaodian): Houses the colossal bronze Buddha and 28 guardian deities.
Scripture Hall (Zangjinglou): Stores rare Tang Dynasty woodblock sutras and a 1,300-year-old Blood Sutra.
- East Axis:
Bell Tower: Cast in 1654, inscribed with Buddhist texts.
Monastic Dormitories: Restored Ming-style courtyards.
- West Axis:
Drum Tower: Paired with the Bell Tower, used for daily chants.
Bonsai Garden: Features miniature Pinus armandii trees over 200 years old.
Major Attractions
Grand Buddha Statue: A 6m-tall, 12-ton bronze figure with a 3.8m-wide lapis lazuli halo.
Tang Dynasty Blood Sutra: A rare manuscript written in cinnabar ink, dating to 803 CE.
Qing Dynasty Mural Gallery: 12 frescoes depicting the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra.
Bamboo Grove Garden: A tranquil space with 18th-century stone carvings of the 16 Arhats.
Moon Pavilion (Yueju): A hexagonal pavilion offering views of the temple’s lotus pond.
Incense Burner Plaza: A 500kg bronze burner where visitors light joss sticks for blessings.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–1.5 hours):
Shanmen → Grand Hall → Scripture Hall → Incense Burner Plaza → Exit.
Highlights: Core Buddha statue and historic sutras.
- Cultural Route (2–3 hours):
Add the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and a 30-minute sutra-copying workshop (¥50 materials fee).
Highlights: Architectural symmetry and calligraphy experience.
- Zen Immersion Route (Half Day):
Morning: Grand Hall, Bamboo Grove Garden, and a vegetarian lunch (¥30) at the temple café.
Afternoon: Mural Gallery and a 1-hour guided meditation session.
Highlights: Mindfulness practices and culinary traditions.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the temple’s WeChat official account in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at the Shanmen; arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds.
Prices: free
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1/2: Gongyuanqian Station (Exit F), 8-minute walk. Line 6: Haizhu Square Station (Exit B1), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 3, 6, 66, 101, or 128 to Beijinglu Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Guangzhou Dafo Si” (¥12–15 from Tianhe District).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and Buddhist festivals (e.g., Buddha’s Birthday in May) are busiest.
Weather: Autumn (October–December) for mild temperatures; summer (June–August) requires hydration.
Essentials: Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), bring cash for incense, and respect silence in prayer halls.
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to Chen Clan Academy (1.5km west) for a full day of cultural exploration.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
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Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
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For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
