Guajia Temple

Guajia Temple

Guajia Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guajia Temple is located at No. 18, East Hutong of Guajia Temple. Originally known as Qingguo Temple, it is said to have been built in the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,300 years.

The "Tianjin County Annals" from the 28th year of the Wanli era (1600) in the Ming Dynasty, in the "Inscription on the Reconstruction of Guajia Temple," records: “Approximately three li south of Dazhigu, there is an ancient temple called Qingguo Temple, later renamed Guajia Temple. Its origins go far back, and no historical maps document it, but according to local elders, it is said: In the past, when the great Tang Dynasty triumphed in its campaign against Liaodong, its troops were stationed at this temple, which led to its renaming. Over time, the temple fell into disrepair, though its ruins still remain.” In its heyday, Guajia Temple featured “majestic architecture and resplendent statues, attracting worshippers from near and far, bustling with visitors,” and enjoyed flourishing incense offerings. Historically, the temple was built three times: the first during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the second in the late Qing Dynasty, and the third in 1944 when the mountain gate was renovated. By the time of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the temple had largely collapsed.

The existing front hall and rear hall were built in the late Qing Dynasty, covering a construction area of 300 square meters. They are built with brick and wood, featuring flush gable roofs. The front hall has five purlins and twelve columns, while the rear hall has ten purlins and eighteen columns, with a dragon head positioned at the center of the roof ridge. The temple complex is single-story, grand and magnificent, with well-arranged and harmonious layouts, bright color tones, a simple yet elegant style, and an integrated whole that largely retains its original appearance. The current temple has been rebuilt and expanded with funding from the People’s Government of Hexi District. Construction started in May 1994 and was completed in July 1997. Renowned figures such as Zhao Puchu, President of the Buddhist Association of China, and Tian Yunzhang inscribed plaques and inscriptions for Guajia Temple.