Guangzong Temple

Guangzong Temple

Guangzong Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guangzong Temple is located on the mountainside of Yingfang Village in Taihuai Town, below the Bodhisattva Summit. It was first built in the second year of the Zhengde era during the Ming Dynasty and renovated during the Qing Dynasty.

Guangzong Temple is nestled against the mountain. Though small in size, it has a well-organized layout and is one of the Ten Great Green-Tiled Temples of Mount Wutai. The Copper Tile Hall, the main hall of the temple, consists of three rooms and is uniquely covered with copper tiles, setting it apart from other temples on Mount Wutai. The hall enshrines the Huayan Three Saints: Manjushri Bodhisattva, Vairocana Buddha, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. On both sides, there are eighteen unique and varied statues of arhats. The temple is majestic and exemplifies the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty.

In the northeast corner of Guangzong Temple, there is also a stupa that stands 6 meters tall with a pure white body. This is the reliquary stupa of Master Fazun, former president of the China Buddhist Academy. Master Fazun was proficient in Tibetan and translated the 200-volume "Mahāvibhāṣā Śāstra" into Tibetan, making a significant contribution to the Buddhist community. Since Guangzong Temple was where he became a monk, after his passing at the age of 80, it was chosen as the site for his relics.

Taihuai Town: Originally located in the central part of Mount Wutai by the Qingshui River, Taihuai Town got its name because it is surrounded by five peaks. Nearby is the famous Mount Wutai temple complex. During the early Qing Dynasty, Taihuai served as an imperial retreat, where Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong visited and stayed multiple times. Taihuai is a local market town that welcomes countless tourists and merchants every year. ... More details about Taihuai Town++