Hualin Temple is located on Xilai Zheng Street, Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou. It was first established in the eighth year of the common era under Emperor Wu of Liang (527 AD), and has a history of over 1,400 years. It is now a municipal cultural heritage site.
The predecessor of Hualin Temple was called Xilai An. Before the Sui Dynasty, this location was the bank of the Pearl River. In the seventh year of the common era under Emperor Wu of Liang (526 AD), the Indian monk Bodhidharma, known as the first patriarch of Chinese Zen Buddhism, arrived in China to spread Buddhism. He first landed at what is now Xilai Chu Di and built Xilai An. Devotees of later generations revered Bodhidharma as the founder of Zen Buddhism in China, hence the name Xilai Chu Di for the place of his landing. Although Hualin Temple is situated in a bustling urban area, it maintains a tranquil atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle. The temple faces east and is flanked by two stone lions and two stone drums on either side of the mountain gate. The stone lintel above the gate is inscribed with the words ‘Hualin Zen Temple,’ and the stone pillars on either side bear a couplet: ‘Admiring the Avatamsaka Sutra’s vision of myriad Buddhas, the forest encases the Vultures’ Peak with five hundred Arhats.’ Upon entering the mountain gate, one finds the Xingyan Stone Pagodas at both ends, with a row of bungalows to the south, housing a Merit Hall. Adjacent to the Merit Hall is the First Patriarch Bodhidharma Hall, which enshrines a full-length statue of Bodhidharma in a cross-legged position. After the completion of the Bodhidharma Hall in 1997, the statue was moved there. The temple is open all year round from 8:00 to 17:00.Hualin Zen Temple
Hualin Temple is located on Xilai Zheng Street, Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou. It was first established in the eighth […]
