Huadu Huayan Temple

Huadu Huayan Temple

Huadu Huayan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally named Guanyin Temple, Huadu Huayan Chan Temple was first built in the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1908). Historically, it attracted large gatherings of devotees and enjoyed flourishing incense offerings, but over the past century, it has experienced several cycles of rise and decline. The temple is located on the western side of Furong Avenue in Huadu District, on Huazang Mountain (also known as Xianji Mountain), at the entrance to the Furong Holiday Resort.

Huayan Temple is located in Huadu District, known as the "satellite city of Guangzhou," which lies 20 kilometers from the city center. This area is the hometown of the eminent monk Tianran, the founding patriarch of the Fan Yun Temple in Panyu and the Biechuan Temple on Danxia Mountain—both highly influential in Chinese Buddhist culture during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties—as well as the founder of the Lingnan Fan Yun Poetry School and Fan Yun Calligraphy School.

Originally named Guanyin Temple, Huayan Temple was first built in the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1908 AD). It is situated on the western side of Furong Avenue in Huadu District, on Huazang Mountain (also known as Xianji Mountain). Blessed by the majestic energy of the Furong Mountain Range, the land here features a vigorous terrain resembling lotus petals. Secluded and elegant, the site offers a serene atmosphere that makes worldly concerns fade away. Historically, it drew large crowds of worshippers and flourished with incense offerings, although it has experienced many ups and downs over the past hundred years.

In 1996, at the earnest request of Buddhist devotees in Huadu District and with the strong support of the contemporary Zen master Benhuan, Master Yinjue, the abbot and director of Biechuan Temple on Danxia Mountain, was appointed to take on the major task of rebuilding the temple. On October 11, 2001, it was officially approved by the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government as an open site for Buddhist activities.

Over the years, thanks to the care of governments at all levels, the guidance of eminent figures from Buddhist associations, and the support of generous donors, the temple’s preparatory committee has adhered to the principle of “promoting Buddhism through culture, cultivating monastics through education, warming hearts through charity, and harmonizing society through joint practice.” Through various forms of donations, accumulating small contributions into a great whole, the committee acquired over 150 acres of land and constructed the Huayan Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Dharma Hall, the Dining Hall, the Abbot’s Building, the Scripture Depository, and the Lecture Hall. These structures have become an important site for Buddhists from home and abroad to study Buddhism and conduct religious activities. In 2005, the “Huayan Temple Charity Merit Society” was established, earning widespread praise from all sectors of society for its charitable activities such as social welfare, student assistance and disaster relief, elder care, orphan support, and life release.

At present, the main structures of Huayan Temple have been fully completed. The large bronze bell installed in the Bell Tower weighs over ten thousand pounds, producing a deep, resonant, and far-reaching sound. The Huayan Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, already in use, is built entirely with red merbau wood imported from Indonesia. Its 52 large stone pillars are made of high-quality granite from Huian, Fujian, with the largest having a diameter of 0.6 meters and a height of 8 meters. The hall enshrines ten thousand sacred statues, including three that stand 6 meters tall: Sakyamuni Buddha, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom Manjushri, and the Bodhisattva of Action Samantabhadra. All the Buddha statues, large and small, are cast in copper and feature vivid, lifelike expressions. The interior walls are carved with the “Fifty-Three Visits of Sudhana,” featuring lively and adorable designs with rich, vibrant colors, creating a deeply uplifting spiritual atmosphere. The outer walls are adorned with the Blood-Written Scripture of Elder Benhuan, featuring the “Universal Worthy Bodhisattva’s Conduct and Vows” chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, carved in redwood. The entire hall is simple yet elegant, solemn and dignified.

Shiling Town: Located in the northwest of Huadu District, Guangzhou City, Shiling Town boasts a uniquely advantageous geographical position. It borders Guangzhou to the south and Qingyuan to the north, situated 34 kilometers from the central urban area of Guangzhou, 15 kilometers from both Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and the Port of Huadu, and 5 kilometers from Guangzhou North Railway Station on the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. It serves as a key hub for commerce between northern and southern regions. The town enjoys highly accessible transportation, with National Highway 107 (Guangqing Expressway) and the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway running through it. Roads such as Yangchi Line, Furong Avenue, Shanqian Tourism Avenue, and Pingbu Avenue connect with the Shiling exit of the Guangqing Expressway. The town covers a total area of 160 square kilometers, with an urban area of 9 square kilometers... More detailed information about Shiling Town++