Shenyang Guangfu Temple

Shenyang Guangfu Temple

Shenyang Guangfu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

A Buddhist sacred site — Shenyang Guangfu Temple is said to have been built in the 30th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign. Led by the local gentry Kang Fuguang, villagers constructed three main halls and enshrined three Buddha statues. In the center was the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin as the Eye-Opening Lady, flanked by two guardian deities: Guan Yu as the God of War on the east and Sun Simiao as the Medicine Buddha on the west. The temple was named Guangfu Chan An, but locals called it the Goddess Temple. A nun who came to the site to beg for alms and dispel calamities was invited to serve as the abbess. Her dharma name was Zuxing, and she became the founding master of Guangfu Chan An. According to the temple’s stele inscriptions, the temple was built in the 32nd year of Kangxi’s reign (1694 AD), with Kang Fuguang and Chang Jinxiao as the sponsors.

From then on, the Goddess Temple enjoyed even greater popularity, attracting worshippers from nearby regions to pray and give thanks. As economic conditions improved and devotees’ needs grew, the temple was expanded in the 5th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign. The main hall was renovated, side corridors were added, and a bell and drum tower were constructed. The temple was officially upgraded from a nunnery to a formal monastery. According to unearthed steles, Guangfu Temple was first built in the 32nd year of Kangxi’s reign (1694 AD), and a temple stele was erected in the 38th year (1699 AD), recording the names of the sponsors, builders, and organizers.

After the renovation and expansion in the 5th year of Qianlong’s reign, Guangfu Temple became a well-known Buddhist site. The annual Goddess Temple Fair on the 18th day of the fourth lunar month drew huge crowds with thick incense smoke and bustling activity. This continued until the 21st year of the Republic of China. By then, after over 200 years of history, the temple had become dilapidated. Through community discussions, with Pei Huage donating the land, enlightened local gentry from Shiguantun providing funds, and devotees contributing, the third major restoration of Guangfu Temple was carried out. Later, the side corridors were repurposed as offices for the township government and police station, while the mountain gate became a private schoolhouse.

In 1948, Shenyang was liberated. The following year, under the leadership of the land reform work team, Guangfu Temple and the local temples dedicated to local deities were demolished to build a public school. Guangfu Temple was rebuilt on its original site in 2003, restoring its former glory. Devotees now visit in an endless stream.

Guangfu Temple is nestled within the "Dragon Throne" of Mount Cangjun in Dengjiagou Village, Baiqingzhai Township, Sujiatun District, Shenyang City, on the Liaodong Peninsula. It lies at the junction of Shenyang, Benxi, Liaoyang, and Fushun, approximately 30 kilometers from each. Surrounded by mountains, shaded by green trees, and blessed with beautiful scenery, the area features faint blue hills, drifting white clouds, emerald ridges against the blue sky, a coiling green dragon, and a rising white tiger. The mountain holds caves within which reside Buddha statues, making it an exceptionally auspicious site with excellent feng shui — a treasure land where auspicious energy flows in from the east and vital energy gathers. Since its reconstruction three years ago, Guangfu Temple has been blessed with continuous good omens: golden dragons appearing, ancient beasts emerging, celestial music playing, fragrant scents wafting, vibrant colors shining, and peaceful atmosphere prevailing. It has become a renowned sacred destination for pilgrims. Due to its superior geographical environment, the temple exudes a strong spiritual aura, attracting worshippers from nearby villages and cities, all praising its remarkable beauty.

Perched against the mountain, Shenyang Guangfu Temple features a majestic and solemn Mahavira Hall. Its front hall faces openness, backed by the precious mountain, with gentle slopes and straight screens, offering views in all four directions. The Mahavira Hall is designed in the Qing-style hip-and-gable roof form, double-eaved, seven-bay wide, with nine ridges. It boasts golden dragon and imperial seal paintings and white marble railings. The steps and flooring are made of bluestone slabs. The east and west stele corridors are dignified, elegant, magnificent, and solemn.

Scenic Area Address: Cangjun Mountain, Dengjiagou Village, Baiqingzhai Township, Sujiatun District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province

Transportation by Bus: From Shenyang, take a bus to Sujiatun, then transfer to a minibus passing through Baiqingzhai or take a taxi to reach the temple.

Driving Directions: Starting from Shenyang, enter the Shenyang-Dandong Expressway, drive toward Dandong, exit at Yangqian, then enter S107 heading toward Shenyang Institute of Physical Education. Turn onto Guangfu Road, make a left turn, and drive 630 meters to reach the destination.