Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple)
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple)
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple)
4
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
One of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou, located on the Liurong Road.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- Gongyuanqian • 7 min walk
- Ximenkou • 7 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
376 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
156
Average
63
Poor
9
Terrible
2
𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂 ® 👑
Moscow, Russia114,350 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Baozhuangyan Temple was first built by the monk Tanyu at the order of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty in 537 AD. It was built to house the relics of Cambodian Buddhist saints. The temple was burned down and rebuilt during the Northern Song Dynasty. The Flower Pagoda, the main building of the temple, was built in 1097 and got its name from its colorful appearance. The Flower Pagoda once had a square base in its architecture, but after a rebuild in 1097, it was given an octagonal base. It was rebuilt again in 1373 after another fire during the early Ming Dynasty, and rebuilt in 1900.
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina64,820 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
This is a active Buddhist temple. Prayers were taking place during my visit, with about 150 to 200 worshippers in attendance. The temple gets its name from the six banyan trees which once grew on the property. There are only three today, of which two are survivors of the original six, and one of the second planting of four. There are nice Buddha statues in the temples, the most beautiful being the group of the three large gold coloured statues. There was no entrance fee when I visited on a Chinese national holiday.
Written May 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InnaYYZ
Toronto, Canada1,489 contributions
Aug 2019
The history and the pagoda are what I found most interesting. I have been here before. Sometimes I get charged a fee and at other times, everyone gets in free. This is an active monastery. Some monks were walking between buildings and prayers were underway in the large hall.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamHo_10
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia61 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
Take metro line 2 to Gongyuanqian Station and walk towards exit B. Make a U turn upon exit B and walk about 8 mins along some shops. At a cross junction traffic light, turn left and walk for another 5 mins. Open from 0800 to 1830. Admission only CNY5.
Written August 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
onehitwonder
Sydney, Australia50 contributions
The highlight of this particular Buddhist temple is the 57 metre high Flowery Pagoda, rebuilt in 1097 after the establishment of the temple in AD 537. It's a reasonably strenuous climb up the seventeen levels (there are mezzanine levels between each of the nine outside balconies) is worth the effort even if only to view the interesting variety of surrounding residential housing. There are some intricate wooden carvings under the eaves and an elaborate bronze pillar depicting 1000 Buddhist figures on the top floor. The Grand Hall has three gleaming 6 metre high brass figures dating from the seventeenth century - beautiful colours!
It's a short walk to the other major temple in the area (Temple of Glorious Filial Piety). A few beggars hang around outside the temples but we didn't experience any of the more aggressive types that sometimes inhabit the more major tourist haunts. Don't miss the vast Buddhist supply shops in the surrounding streets- they contain everything 'devotional', from monks' attire to giant bells, drums and of course thousands of statues of the Buddha. These shops are great places to purchase some interesting mementos and also give you some idea of how many present Chinese still worship at these temples, burning incense, praying and leaving money and fruit offerings on the altars even after fifty years of a 'non-religious' government policy. After visiting most of the other major tourist attractions in the bigger Chinese cities, these temples offer a quieter and more contemplative experience.
It's a short walk to the other major temple in the area (Temple of Glorious Filial Piety). A few beggars hang around outside the temples but we didn't experience any of the more aggressive types that sometimes inhabit the more major tourist haunts. Don't miss the vast Buddhist supply shops in the surrounding streets- they contain everything 'devotional', from monks' attire to giant bells, drums and of course thousands of statues of the Buddha. These shops are great places to purchase some interesting mementos and also give you some idea of how many present Chinese still worship at these temples, burning incense, praying and leaving money and fruit offerings on the altars even after fifty years of a 'non-religious' government policy. After visiting most of the other major tourist attractions in the bigger Chinese cities, these temples offer a quieter and more contemplative experience.
Written June 11, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nickpeh
Singapore, Singapore86 contributions
Jul 2016
It's a small temple found within the streets in Guangzhou. it's said to have 1400 years of history since it started, along Liurong road. U can find this six banyan tree pagoda where relics were kept, standing spectacularly in the garden with the blue sky at backdrop. U can reach this place via subway 1 or 2 and alight at GongYuanQian station, exit B.
Written June 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadureeFan
Richmond, VA1,185 contributions
Dec 2019
Quiet, many people praying, service being held while we were there, laughing Buddha is right as you walk in -- we missed it initially. Free hot herbal tea.
In the Hall of Mahavira, the main hall of the temple, there are three large golden Buddha with offerings in front of them --- we understood the oranges and apples but the coke products on either side didn't make much sense to us! Lol
In the Hall of Mahavira, the main hall of the temple, there are three large golden Buddha with offerings in front of them --- we understood the oranges and apples but the coke products on either side didn't make much sense to us! Lol
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJim60
2,208 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
First, there is the history. The original temple on this site was built in 537 CE and has subsequently been rebuilt 3 or so times. It has a connection with Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
Second, there is the beautiful architecture and statues.
Third, the peaceful spirit of the place.
You enter through the Heavenly Garden Hall where there is the "Laughing Buddha" - iconic Chinese portrayal of Maitreya -- the Buddha of the Future. According to legend, he was a poor but happy traveling monk named Budai who was a reincarnation of Maitreya and popular within the Chan (Zen) tradition. Also associated with prosperity which makes him quite popular among Chinese people.
Nearby is the statue of General Weituo a much more serious looking person - who is supposed to protect the belongings of worshippers.
Next is Mahavira Hall with three impressive large bronze Buddha statues. As you face them from left to right, they are Amitabha, Shakyamuni, and the Medicine Buddha not as some other accounts have it, the Buddhas of the Past (Dipankara), the Present (Shakyamuni) and the Future (Maitreya). The statues date from 1633 CE and are the largest in Guangzhou.
Finally there is the Avalokiteshvara Hall with two statues of Avalokiteshvara in female incarnation as GuanYin. The largest dates from 1633. As usual, this was my favorite part of the temple.
Logistics: CNY 5 admission to Temple. 10 CNY additional for the Flower Pagoda. A bit hard to find as signage (English) is not good. If you're heading towards Shamian Island on Jiefang North Rd, the temple is to the right. Take Yingbin Road Commercial Street to Liurong and then turn left on Liurong Street. We used our flawless command of English plus a hotel map that had the name of the temple written in Chinese to ask directions. The latter seemed to be the decisive factor in getting help. Temple will be on right side of street. Alternatively, take Metro Lines 1 or 2 to Gongyuanqian Station. Walk down Zhong Shan Wu Lu Street crossing Jiefang North Rd till you intersect with Liurong, take a right there. Liurong Temple will be on the left.
Second, there is the beautiful architecture and statues.
Third, the peaceful spirit of the place.
You enter through the Heavenly Garden Hall where there is the "Laughing Buddha" - iconic Chinese portrayal of Maitreya -- the Buddha of the Future. According to legend, he was a poor but happy traveling monk named Budai who was a reincarnation of Maitreya and popular within the Chan (Zen) tradition. Also associated with prosperity which makes him quite popular among Chinese people.
Nearby is the statue of General Weituo a much more serious looking person - who is supposed to protect the belongings of worshippers.
Next is Mahavira Hall with three impressive large bronze Buddha statues. As you face them from left to right, they are Amitabha, Shakyamuni, and the Medicine Buddha not as some other accounts have it, the Buddhas of the Past (Dipankara), the Present (Shakyamuni) and the Future (Maitreya). The statues date from 1633 CE and are the largest in Guangzhou.
Finally there is the Avalokiteshvara Hall with two statues of Avalokiteshvara in female incarnation as GuanYin. The largest dates from 1633. As usual, this was my favorite part of the temple.
Logistics: CNY 5 admission to Temple. 10 CNY additional for the Flower Pagoda. A bit hard to find as signage (English) is not good. If you're heading towards Shamian Island on Jiefang North Rd, the temple is to the right. Take Yingbin Road Commercial Street to Liurong and then turn left on Liurong Street. We used our flawless command of English plus a hotel map that had the name of the temple written in Chinese to ask directions. The latter seemed to be the decisive factor in getting help. Temple will be on right side of street. Alternatively, take Metro Lines 1 or 2 to Gongyuanqian Station. Walk down Zhong Shan Wu Lu Street crossing Jiefang North Rd till you intersect with Liurong, take a right there. Liurong Temple will be on the left.
Written July 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
millwall_fan
Chiang Mai, Thailand211 contributions
Mar 2017 • Family
We only had a short time in Guangzhou and this is one of the places we visited. Tucked away in an area of old Canton this atmospheric temple is not old - it was rebuilt in 1988 after the vandalism of the Cultural Revolution- but its serene quiet was an antidote to the teeming masses outside the walls. A 300 year old bronze of a female deity was one of the main points of interest as well 3 statues of The Buddha in another part of the complex. The Flower Pagoda is much older and an impressive sight. Worth an hour of your sightseeing in Canton.
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore6,599 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
There are few things unique about this temple that warrant a visit.
Firstly, the temple has a history of more than 1400 yrs originally constructed in 537 AD during the Liang Dynasty.
Secondly, the famous poet Su Si once visited this temple and published the poem `Six Banyan Trees' and that was how her current name Temple of the Six Banyan Trees - 六榕寺 was derived from.
Thirdly, the temple houses three largest and oldest bronze Buddha statues in Guangzhou - Sakyamuni, Amitabha and Maitreya that were built in 1663 AD.
Fourthly, the temple fosters strong historic relationship with foreign Buddhist temples from Cambodia and Thailand. The monk who built this temple under orders from Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty was to use the temple to house Buddhist bones from Kampuchea (Cambodia). In the 1980s, both the elder brother of the King of Thailand and the Thai Ministry of Education donated a wooden stupa and a statue of Sakyamuni to the temple. The monks from both countries chanted in the temple and prayed for world peace. It appears that the temple is well-liked and holds a prestigious and reputable position among the temples in Guangzhou in order to receive such precious gifts from foreign nations.
I was busy listening to the guide in their introduction of the temple that I forgot to count if there were 6 banyan trees in the temple compound. Without knowing her history and her unique characteristics, you may think that this is just another ordinary Buddhist temple in China.
The banyan trees added an ancient historic appeal to this temple. In an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity, the chanting in the hall of the 3 oldest bronze Buddhist statues resonated in the ears of the visitors and reminded us to plough merits, pray for world peace and accumulate good karma in this life time.
Firstly, the temple has a history of more than 1400 yrs originally constructed in 537 AD during the Liang Dynasty.
Secondly, the famous poet Su Si once visited this temple and published the poem `Six Banyan Trees' and that was how her current name Temple of the Six Banyan Trees - 六榕寺 was derived from.
Thirdly, the temple houses three largest and oldest bronze Buddha statues in Guangzhou - Sakyamuni, Amitabha and Maitreya that were built in 1663 AD.
Fourthly, the temple fosters strong historic relationship with foreign Buddhist temples from Cambodia and Thailand. The monk who built this temple under orders from Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty was to use the temple to house Buddhist bones from Kampuchea (Cambodia). In the 1980s, both the elder brother of the King of Thailand and the Thai Ministry of Education donated a wooden stupa and a statue of Sakyamuni to the temple. The monks from both countries chanted in the temple and prayed for world peace. It appears that the temple is well-liked and holds a prestigious and reputable position among the temples in Guangzhou in order to receive such precious gifts from foreign nations.
I was busy listening to the guide in their introduction of the temple that I forgot to count if there were 6 banyan trees in the temple compound. Without knowing her history and her unique characteristics, you may think that this is just another ordinary Buddhist temple in China.
The banyan trees added an ancient historic appeal to this temple. In an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity, the chanting in the hall of the 3 oldest bronze Buddhist statues resonated in the ears of the visitors and reminded us to plough merits, pray for world peace and accumulate good karma in this life time.
Written September 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I want to travel to this temple on June 2019.
Please advise for these:
1) Any entrance ticket should I buy prior? If needed, which website to buy the ticket?
2) Any guest able to go upstairs of the temple recently? I read someone comment that the rule is restricted to go upstairs in 2018. But, I really hope they may change the rule in 2019.
Betty
2,773 contributions
It is not crowded when we went and you can easily purchase tickets at the door. We could not go upstairs and were told it is off limits. The temple and artifacts are beautiful and worth the visit. If you want a good view of the city, I suggest the Baiyun Mountain or Canton Tower.
Lin a
singapore20 contributions
Hi we are traveling in mid December and I will be bringing a grp of 3 elderly and 2 teenagers. May I seek some advise on the time to travel to this place and the best way to travel to this place? Thank you
Greg Stevens
Sydney, Australia1,590 contributions
I would suggest to go to this temple mid morning and I recommend you catch a taxi to get there unless you join a tour and this site is included! I think they have a “red” hop on hop off bus travel service - check with your hotel!
TJim60
2,208 contributions
I've seen tourist guidebooks that give differing descriptions of the three large Buddha statues in Liurong Temple. In some cases they are described as the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future: Dipankara, Shakyumuni, and Maitreya. Or the Buddhas of the West (Amitabha), Shakyamuni, and East (Medicine Buddha).
Does anyone know? If you do, could you let me know how? Trusted guidebook, familiarity with the iconography of the various Buddhas?
Many thanks.
srinivasan369
Chennai (Madras), India54 contributions
First one has to consider that "buddhism" is a broad name for several views; hinayana, mahayana, tibetan, korean, vietnamese, japanese, ... which means each one has different views and different names for the same buddha.
But in general here are these three buddhas of that 6 (liu) banyan trees (current name given by Su Dongpo, a writer during the Song dynasty on his way to the North).
Maitreya is a "boddhisatva" that is, has still to come after the dharma disappeared to put it again in order: a kind of "messiah" (cf. the Hindu Kalki avatar). he is also the "apothecary/medicine" buddha (bhaisajyaguru) who takes care of the sick people with a big smile, the buddha of the future, and of the East.
Dipankara or Amitabha brings light to and protects the traveller, the navigator, he is a kind of "good Samaritan" and is thus associated with "charity", he is the buddha of the past and of the West.
Shakyamuni (the sage of the S'akya) is the buddha of the present and faces the North.
Some confuse Buddha and Mahavira (cf. the name of the hall where these three buddha statues are placed) while Mahavira is the one who gave his actual form to Jainism, but both lived at the same time that is, VIth century BC.
MarisMarquiafave
Sao Paulo, SP550 contributions
Como posso chegar ao estabelecimento usando transporte público?
ArleteRod
Portimao, Portugal26 contributions
Se não sabe ler chinês, é SEMPRE melhor apanhar um táxi e mostrar o nome do estabelecimento (em chinês) ao motorista. O taxi lá é muito barato e muito mais fácil. De transporte público é complicado porque não há qualquer informação das paragens ou direcções noutra língua, só em Chinês.
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- Hotels near Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple):
- (0.08 mi) Guangdong Yingbin Hotel (Guest House)
- (0.14 mi) Beihaidao Hotel Guangzhou Weijing
- (0.17 mi) Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Ximenkou Guangxiao
- (0.22 mi) The Yun Resort Qingyuan
- (0.24 mi) Zhuhai Special Economic Zone Hotel
- Restaurants near Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple):
- (0.14 mi) Cai Die Gu Mei Shi Lang
- (0.14 mi) GuangDong YingBin Guan Restaurant
- (0.14 mi) HongMian Restaurant
- (0.14 mi) Star River Club four seasons Chinese restaurant
- (0.15 mi) XinGuang Seafood Restaurant
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