Dalian Guanhai Temple

Dalian Guanhai Temple

Dalian Guanhai Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

“The wondrous voice hears the Bodhisattva of Compassion, the divine sound is the tide’s roar; it can relieve the world’s suffering, thus one should chant it always.” The “Guanhai Temple,” inscribed in person by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China, based on a verse from the Lotus Sutra, is located on Liantai Mountain in Xianyuwan Town, Wafangdian, Dalian — a national AAA-level tourist resort known as the “Pearl of the Northeast.” Originally named Shijia Hermitage and commonly called the Arhat Temple, Guanhai Temple is an ancient site of the Caodong school of Chan Buddhism.

The exact time of the temple’s initial construction is unclear. According to inscriptions, it was rebuilt in the 21st year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1841) through donations raised by the presiding monk Master Shayi, and was then renamed Xiyongfeng Temple. However, as time passed, this ancient temple endured many changes. By 1951, all its structures had been demolished. In 1992, the local government reconstructed the temple in accordance with religious policy. The site features beautiful mountain and sea views; visitors can experience the serenity and spirituality of the ancient temple, as well as the compassion and blessings of Buddhism.

Dalian Guanhai Temple — the Liantai Mountain Pure Land Buddhist Cultural Park includes a memorial garden, chanting hall, Buddhist charitable nursing home, Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, side halls, monastic quarters, Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, dining hall, lay practitioners’ building, and the Ocean Assembly Hall. The project plans to raise 79 million yuan, with a total construction area of 27,614 square meters and a landscaped green area of 31,453.2 square meters. Completion is scheduled for 2011.

Scenic Area Address: Liantai Mountain, Xianyuwan Town, Wafangdian, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Dalian to the Shiji Square Bus Station in Wafangdian, then transfer to a minibus or taxi to reach the temple.