Shenyang Grand Buddha Temple

Shenyang Grand Buddha Temple

The Grand Buddha Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Grand Buddha Temple is located at No. 14, Cien Temple Lane, Section 3, Danan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. Originally named "Bao'an Temple," it was first built during the Tang Dynasty but gradually became dilapidated due to years of neglect. In the 42nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1614), the temple was rebuilt, and a stone tablet from the Tang Dynasty was found. It was renovated again in the 12th year (1649), the 56th year (1693), and the 2nd year of the Xuantong reign (1910) of the Qing Dynasty. In the 5th year of the Republic of China (1916), the abbot nun Changhui’s disciple, Changzhi, presided over another major renovation. This temple serves as a practice site for nuns and covers an area of 543 square meters. Existing structures include the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and east and west side halls. The east and west walls of the Ksitigarbha Hall contain inscribed steles detailing the temple's construction history and the renovation of the Ksitigarbha Hall. Originally, there were plaques inscribed by Emperor Qianlong and a large bronze Buddha statue, which are no longer extant.

The Grand Buddha Temple was initially built during the Tang Dynasty but later fell into disrepair, with its halls gradually collapsing. In the 42nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1614), during its reconstruction, remnants of Tang Dynasty stone tablets and ritual implements were discovered. The temple underwent two major restorations in the 12th year (1747) and the 56th year (1791) of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, the temple had twelve halls and two presiding nuns.

In the 1st year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1909), in the sixth month of the lunar calendar, nun Xiuzhen purchased the temple's leasehold for 9,000 strings of cash (1,000 coins per string) from Hui Zong Temple’s monk Jie Chan. In the 2nd year of the Xuantong reign (1910), with the support of patrons, she renovated the temple, bringing new life to the ancient site. In the 3rd year of the Xuantong reign (1911), in the eighth month of the lunar calendar, the main hall and mountain gate were painted, greatly enhancing the temple's appearance and establishing it as a sizable Buddhist monastery.

In the 5th year of the Republic of China (1916), after nun Changhui became the abbess, she bought out the lease for 3,000 yuan. At that time, the temple had only 15 halls. In the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923), under her direction, three side halls were added to the east, further expanding the temple’s area. In the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), to further enlarge the temple, Changhui traveled to Heilongjiang Province to raise funds. The following year, two corridors with three rooms each and three additional rooms were built, adding more character to the ancient temple. In the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929), Changhui and Changzhi launched another ambitious project to renovate the mountain gate, middle hall, and main hall.

During the puppet Manchukuo period, accelerated deterioration occurred under Japanese rule. In the 2nd year of the Kangde reign (1935), the brick walls were repaired. Two years later, the mountain gate was restored. Several years later, in the 6th year of the Kangde reign (1939), the Ksitigarbha Hall was constructed. After centuries of challenges, the Grand Buddha Temple had by then developed into a complex with a mountain gate, middle hall, main hall, east and west side halls, east and west wing rooms, and east garden rooms, covering an area of 543 square meters. With its neat walls, spacious courtyards, and majestic architecture, the Grand Buddha Temple stood tall on the ancient lands of the northern city, presenting a beautiful portrait of its era.

Today, on the east and west walls of the middle hall, there are stone inscriptions from the 6th year of the Kangde reign (1937) that briefly document the temple’s construction period and renovation history.

After 1979, the government allocated funds to renovate the Ksitigarbha Hall, main hall, and east and west side halls. To date, the Grand Buddha Temple has 13 buildings and over 10 resident monks. A pair of grand stone lions sits atop a solid Sumeru pedestal, guarding the solemn ancient temple and welcoming visitors from all over.

The Shenyang Grand Buddha Temple faces south and consists of two courtyards, tucked away within a residential area. Its mountain gate is not as grand as one might expect. Compared to the surrounding residential buildings, it is small yet dignified, low-profile but remarkably solemn. The gate has three archways, with the central one flanked by stone lions enclosed by iron railings—these are not opened. Usually, the temple only opens the small door on the east side to receive worshippers. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, only the small door on the west side is open—there seems to be some special significance behind this. There is also a small pine tree in front of the gate.

The temple’s floor space is said to be just over 500 square meters. Inside, the distance between the two main halls, and between the main halls and the side halls, does feel compact. However, all essential structures—including the mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, scripture depository, and side halls—are present. Upon entering through the mountain gate, you first come to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, followed by the Mahavira Hall. The west side hall contains the Wangguan Hall and a room marked with the characters “Shengshu.” The east side hall includes a scripture depository. The east and west walls of the Hall of Heavenly Kings feature inscribed steles: the eastern one records the temple’s construction time and process, while the western one outlines the general history of the Ksitigarbha Hall (middle hall) renovation.

Address: No. 14, Cien Temple Lane, Section 3, Danan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province

Transportation: Within Shenyang, you can take bus routes 286, 276, 225, 259, or 275 and get off at the Scientist Garden Station; or take bus routes 2, 113, 250, 150, or 257 and get off at the No. 27 Middle School Station.