Changchun Bore Temple

Changchun Bore Temple

Changchun Bore Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

In the northeast corner of the magnificent People's Square in downtown Changchun stands a beautiful temple — Changchun Bore Temple. Established in 1922, the temple was founded by Buddhist master Venerable Shìxiūxū (also known as Master Zhànshān) of the Tiantai School after he came to Changchun to lecture on the "Prajna Paramita Sutra" and subsequently decided to build a temple, naming it Bore Temple. Originally built in the West Fourth Road area of Nanguan District, the temple was relocated and rebuilt at its current site on West Changchun Street in 1931. In 1934, it was officially named "Huguo Bore Temple." Covering an area of 7,200 square meters, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Changchun. The temple’s mountain gate consists of three parallel arched entrances, with upturned eaves and exquisitely crafted architecture. Red walls beside the gate bear the six large characters “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” Inside, halls stand majestically with lush trees providing shade, creating a spectacular sight. To the left and right upon entering are the drum tower and bell tower, while straight ahead is the Heavenly King Hall. At the center of this hall sits a statue of Maitreya Buddha, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings treading on eight demons — vivid and lifelike. Behind the hall stands a statue of Skanda. The Mahavira Hall, located behind the Heavenly King Hall, serves as the centerpiece of the temple complex. Its exterior is solemn and majestic, with interlocking brackets, high-reaching eaves, ornate painted beams, and brilliant gold-and-color decorations. At the center of the hall is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, with the Eighteen Arhats on either side. Behind it is a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and further back lies the Scripture Depository, which houses a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. Towering ancient pines and cypresses in front of the hall set a vibrant contrast against the colorful hall, adding to its magnificence. The temple also includes dozens of side rooms on the east and west sides, serving as meditation rooms, dining halls, and living quarters. On the eighth, eighteenth, and twenty-eighth days of the fourth lunar month, devotees gather here for temple fairs. During these times, the site attracts tens of thousands of visitors, bustling with lively activity.

Covering an area of 14,000 square meters with a construction area of 2,700 square meters, Bore Temple is the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Changchun. Upon entering the mountain gate, you’ll find a bell tower to the east and a drum tower to the west. These two structures feature unique architectural designs and exquisite craftsmanship, and during important festivals, the bells and drums are sounded in unison.

The temple complex has three levels. The first level is the Maitreya Hall, which houses a seated statue of Maitreya Buddha and features a white marble stele in front that documents the detailed history of the temple’s construction. The second level is the Mahavira Hall, the central and largest building of the entire complex. The third level is the Western Trinity Hall, a two-story hip-and-gable style structure. The upper floor serves as the Scripture Depository, while the lower floor is dedicated to the statues of Amitabha Buddha, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and Guanyin Bodhisattva — collectively known as the Western Trinity. Flanking the Western Trinity Hall are auxiliary halls in the rear courtyard of the Mahavira Hall: the east hall is devoted to Guanyin Bodhisattva, and the west hall to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. Compared to the previous courtyards, this area is enveloped by towering pines and cypresses, with birdsong echoing around, creating an ancient and profound religious atmosphere. The rear courtyard of the Western Trinity Hall marks the end of the temple grounds, with bustling roads and markets just beyond the wall. Within this small courtyard stand three tower-like structures: the one in the front commemorates the 70th birthday of Master Shìxiūxū; the two behind are the stupas of Master Shìxiūxū and Master Shùpéi, the temple’s founding abbot. Since its establishment, Bore Temple has been the center of Buddhism in Changchun and now houses the offices of the Buddhist Associations of Jilin Province and Changchun City.