Ancient Architectural Complex of Guangji Temple

Ancient Architectural Complex of Guangji Temple

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Guangji Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Ancient Architectural Complex of Guangji Temple is located in the old city area of Guta District, Jinzhou City, on the Liaoxi Corridor in Liaoning Province. The temple was first built in the seventh year of the Daye era during the Sui Dynasty (611 AD), originally named Pují Temple. It was rebuilt during the Qingning period of the Liao Dynasty (1055–1064 AD) and underwent multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with most of its current structures dating back to those periods. The complex primarily consists of Guangji Temple, along with the Guangji Temple Pagoda, Tianhou Palace, and Zhaogong Shrine.

Covering an area of 8,140 square meters, the complex includes 68 rooms with a total ancient architectural floor space of 2,599 square meters. Guangji Temple features an integrated layout of pagoda and temple that remains well-preserved—an uncommon sight in China. With the pagoda as the central axis, it houses the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Guan Yu Hall, and the Mahavira Hall. The temple pagoda was constructed in the third year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty (1057 AD), notable for its large scale and exquisite craftsmanship in the Liao style. To the west of the temple lies the Tianhou Palace, built in the third year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1725 AD), featuring intricate brick, stone, and wood carvings. It is the largest Mazu temple in northern China, with architectural designs that blend the best of both northern and southern Chinese styles. Its internal and external carvings are exceptionally refined, showcasing extraordinary artistry. To the east of Guangji Temple stands the Zhaogong Shrine and a stele pavilion. The Zhaogong Shrine was built in the 24th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1898 AD) to commemorate soldiers who died in the First Sino-Japanese War, making it a unique site in China. Inside the stele pavilion is the only domestic stele documenting the land battles of the First Sino-Japanese War. The ancient architectural complex also hosts exhibitions such as "Loyal Souls of the Jiawu War," "Mazu Culture," "The Ballad of the Liaoxi Volunteer Army," "Folk Handicrafts of the Liaoxi Region," and "Religious Art."

In June 2001, the Ancient Architectural Complex of Guangji Temple was designated as part of the fifth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council.

Address: Beijie, Old City, Guta District, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units