一、Introduction

 

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a remarkable ancient temple nestled in Guangzhou, China. Boasting a history that stretches back over 1400 years, it holds a special allure for tourists and history buffs alike.

 

This temple is not only a place of religious significance but also a repository of cultural heritage. Its name has an interesting origin. In AD 1100, the renowned Chinese poet Su Shi visited Guangzhou. Upon entering the temple, he was immediately captivated by six old and sturdy banyan trees. Inspired by this sight, he penned the two characters "六榕" (Liurong). Recognized as an outstanding poet and an excellent calligrapher, Su Shi's handwriting is a masterpiece. The monks in the temple engraved "Liurong" on the stone wall, and since then, the temple has been known as the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

 

Today, although the current banyan trees are not the original ones, they are still over 170 years old. In 1919, the "Pavilion of Replanting Banyan Trees" was constructed, housing a statue of Bodhisattva. Now, visitors can see the characters "六榕" written by Su Shi above the temple's gate.

 

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is renowned for its magnificent architecture. The towering pagoda, lush trees, and a wealth of cultural relics make it a must-see destination. In 1997, it was named one of Guangzhou's top ten tourist attractions. As early as the Southern Dynasty (420 - 479), a Buddhist hall had already been built on this site, known as Guangzhou Baoyan Temple. In 537, Monk Tan Yu of the inner court was dispatched on a mission and returned to Guangzhou with Buddhist relics. Due to illness, he stayed at Baoyan Temple and expressed his wish to reside there. With imperial permission, he built a relic tower, beneath which the precious relics obtained from overseas were enshrined. In 650, the relic tower manifested auspicious signs. The abbot of Baoyan Temple, Monk Baolun, with the help of local officials at all levels, renovated the tower. In November 675, the famous poet Wang Bo passed through Guangzhou. By then, the Baoyan Temple's relic tower had been freshly renovated. Both monks and laypeople, admiring Wang Bo's reputation, told him the brief history of the temple and the cause of this renovation. Wang Bo gladly took up his pen and wrote the "Stele Inscription of the Baoyan Temple's Relic Tower in Guangzhou."

 

To the east of the flower tower are the mountain gate, Maitreya Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and Weituo Hall. There are also more than ten ancient stone tablets, including Su Dongpo's portrait and carvings with the words "six banyan trees." To the west is the grand Main Hall, 14 meters high and covering an area of 300 square meters. Inside, three large bronze statues cast in 1663 during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty are enshrined. Each statue is 6 meters tall and weighs 10 tons, with a kind and serene demeanor. They are the largest existing ancient bronze statues in Guangdong Province. On the south side of the main hall, the Preaching Hall has been rebuilt. In the Rongyin Garden, there are the Sixth Patriarch Hall, Guanyin Hall, monk's dormitory and dining hall, Merit Hall, and Sutra Depository.

 

The temple's opening hours are from 08:00 to 16:30 every day. Admission is free. Getting to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is convenient. One can take Metro Line 2 and get off at "Memorial Hall" station. Then, walk west along Dongfeng Middle Road, turn south along Jiefang North Road to the intersection of Bailing Road. Follow Bailing Road to the intersection of Liurong Road and walk for about three minutes.

 

In addition to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Guangzhou is home to many other attractions. For example, the Yuexiu Park is a large park known for its beautiful scenery and historical sites. In English, it is called "Yuexiu Park." Another popular destination is the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, which offers a unique blend of Lingnan architectural style, a wide variety of goods, and profound cultural heritage. In English, it is known as "Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street."

二、History

1. Early Beginnings

As early as the Southern Dynasties period (420 - 479 AD), a Buddhist temple named Guangzhou Baoyan Temple was established on the current site of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. In 537 AD, Monk Tanyu, on a diplomatic mission for the imperial court, returned to Guangzhou with Buddhist relics. Due to illness, he stayed at Baoyan Temple and expressed his wish to reside there. With imperial permission, he constructed a 舍利塔 (shè lì tǎ) beneath which precious relics obtained from overseas were enshrined.

2. Renovations and Famous Visitors

Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations. In 650 AD, the relic tower at Baoyan Temple manifested auspicious signs. The abbot, Monk Baolun, with the help of local officials at all levels, renovated the tower. In 675 AD, the renowned poet Wang Bo passed by Guangzhou. At that time, the Baoyan Temple's relic tower had been freshly renovated. Admiring his reputation, both monks and laypeople told him the brief history of the temple and the cause of this renovation. Wang Bo gladly took up his pen and wrote the "Stele Inscription of the Baoyan Temple's Relic Tower in Guangzhou."

 

In 1100 AD, the great poet Su Shi visited the temple. Fascinated by six old and sturdy banyan trees, he wrote the characters "六榕" (Liurong). Recognized as an outstanding poet and an excellent calligrapher, Su Shi's handwriting is a masterpiece. The monks in the temple engraved "Liurong" on the stone wall, leading to the temple being renamed the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

三、Architecture and Features

1. Six Banyan Pagoda

The highlight of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is the magnificent Six Banyan Pagoda. Standing at an impressive 57 meters tall, this pagoda is a true architectural marvel. With nine exterior floors and seventeen interior levels, it showcases an elaborate design. The pagoda is adorned with numerous entrances, adding to its grandeur. On top, a copper spire glistens in the sunlight, further enhancing its beauty.

2. Other Buildings

The temple complex is a rich tapestry of various buildings that contribute to its overall charm. It includes the Shanmen (gate), Maitreya Hall, Heavenly Kings Hall, and Wei Tuo Hall. Additionally, the Grand Hall is a sight to behold. Here, three large bronze statues of Buddha from the Kangxi era are enshrined. These statues, cast in 1663, are not only significant for their religious value but also as works of art. Each statue stands at 6 meters tall and weighs a whopping 10 tons, exuding a kind and serene demeanor. They are the largest existing ancient bronze statues in Guangdong Province.

 

Further enhancing the temple's offerings are the Six Patriarch Hall, Guanyin Hall, monk's quarters, merit hall, and sutra depository. These buildings together create a haven for those seeking spiritual solace and a connection with history and culture.

四、Cultural Significance

1. Calligraphy and Art

The characters "六榕" written by Su Shi are not only a masterpiece of calligraphy but also a symbol of the temple's cultural heritage. The temple also houses many ancient stone inscriptions and paintings. Ancient stone inscriptions add to the temple's historical and artistic charm. These inscriptions, such as those described as "ancient stone inscription" in the resources, are remnants of ancient times and provide insights into the past. They are testaments to the long history and cultural richness of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

2. Buddhist Heritage

As a famous Buddhist temple, it is a place of worship and spiritual practice. The temple holds regular 法会 (fǎ huì) and offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility and wisdom of Buddhism. According to the resources, a "法会" is a Buddhist religious assembly. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees holds these assemblies regularly, providing a platform for believers and those interested in Buddhism to come together and engage in spiritual activities. This not only enriches the religious life of the community but also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the profound Buddhist culture and experience a sense of peace and tranquility.

五、Practical Information

1. Opening Hours and Admission

The temple is open from 08:00 to 16:30 every day. Admission is free since September 2019. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists and locals alike who wish to explore the rich history and cultural significance of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees without having to worry about entrance fees.

2. Transportation

Visitors can reach the temple by taking Metro Line 2 to "Jinian Tang" station and walking along Dongfeng Middle Road and Jiefang North Road. There are also several bus routes that stop near the temple. The convenient transportation options make it easy for people to access this historical site. Whether you're a tourist exploring Guangzhou or a local looking for a place of tranquility and cultural enrichment, getting to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a breeze.

3. Accommodation and Nearby Areas

Nearby areas such as Zhongshan Liu Road and Zhongshan Wu Road offer accommodation options. The temple is located in a residential area with few hotels, but visitors can explore the surrounding neighborhoods for a taste of local life. Staying in the vicinity of the temple allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. You can wander through the streets, sample local cuisine, and interact with the friendly locals. Although there may be limited hotel options directly near the temple, the surrounding areas provide a variety of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

六、Conclusion

 

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees truly stands as a remarkable destination that encapsulates history, art, and spirituality. Whether you are a devout Buddhist seeking spiritual solace, an art enthusiast intrigued by calligraphy and ancient inscriptions, or simply a traveler in search of a unique experience, this temple is sure to leave an indelible mark.

 

The magnificent architecture, from the towering Six Banyan Pagoda to the various halls and statues, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Guangzhou. The calligraphy of Su Shi adds an extra layer of charm and significance, making it a must-see for those interested in Chinese literature and art.

The regular Buddhist assemblies offer a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquility and wisdom of Buddhism, while the surrounding areas provide accommodation options for those looking to extend their stay and explore more of what Guangzhou has to offer.

 

In conclusion, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a treasure that should not be missed. It is a place where history comes alive, art flourishes, and spirituality thrives. Plan a visit and discover the magic for yourself.