Chao'an Ganlu Temple

Chao'an Ganlu Temple

Chao'an Ganlu Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Chaozhou City.

Ganlu Temple, according to the *Ming Yitongzhi*, was first established during the Zhiping era (1064–1067) of the Northern Song Dynasty. Legend has it that the temple got its name after a filial son guarded his parents’ tomb and sweet dew descended from the heavens. Buddhism has been practiced here since the Song Dynasty. The temple underwent renovations during the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, with major restoration starting in 1984. It is renowned for its naturally formed giant stone chamber, which is the largest in the Chaoshan region, as well as the uniquely magnificent large Maitreya Buddha carved into the rock face, attracting a continuous stream of visitors. It was officially registered and opened to the public in June 1986.

The temple gate is formed by three massive stones stacked in a pinwheel pattern, with faintly visible inscriptions such as “Jade Tablet Academy” and “Ganlu Cave Heaven.” The roof of the temple is a huge, flat-topped boulder that juts out dramatically, creating a spectacular sight.

The entire temple covers about 600 square meters and is divided into three sections. Upon entering, there is a stone inscription reading “Repaired in the 48th year of the Wanli era (1620) with silver donated by Jia [name illegible], Prefect of Chaozhou.” Two large Vajra guardian statues stand at the entrance, alongside a statue of Skanda. Further inside is the Mahavira Hall, which enshrines the main Buddha, Sakyamuni, flanked by the Eighteen Arhats in golden form. The ceiling slab is inscribed with four large blue characters in regular script: “Mighty Protection.” Below sits a large stone incense burner shaped like a bed. Further in, there is a strikingly large Maitreya Buddha seated statue carved directly from the bedrock. It is highly eye-catching, standing 2.55 meters tall and 4.15 meters wide, lying on its right side with its right hand resting on a cloth sack and its left hand folded over its raised left knee. It was likely carved between the Southern Song and early Yuan dynasties, making it one of the earlier large-bellied Maitreya carvings among Chinese grottoes, and holds significant cultural value. In front of the great Buddha is a large stone incense burner inscribed with the characters “Tian Gu Dou.” On the right side of the stone bed beneath the burner is carved “Blessings Born in Ganlu Land, Longevity Matches Jade Tablet Heaven,” while the left side is inscribed with “Erected on a lucky day in the winter of the 44th year of the Wanli era (1616).”

Admission: Free

Address: Sangpu Mountain, Shaxi Town, Chao'an District

Directions: Enter directly from the Jinshi intersection on the Chaoshan Highway, located in front of Baoshan Middle School in Shaxi.

Caitian Town: Located in the downstream plain of the Han River, Caitian Town borders Chao'an County and is traversed by the Chaoshan Highway and the Guangmeishan Railway. Covering an area of 45 square kilometers, it governs 32 village committees and 1 neighborhood committee, with a total population of 100,600. In 2002, the town’s total industrial and agricultural output value reached 2.64 billion yuan, foreign trade exports amounted to 22 million USD, industrial and commercial taxes totaled 29.8244 million yuan, and the per capita rural income was 4,305 yuan.

Caitian Town is rich in culture and home to many scenic spots and historical sites. Dragon and lion dances, string music, and lantern riddles are famous folk arts in Caitian. The town also houses provincial-level key protected cultural relics... Caitian Town detailed information++