Baoguang Temple

Baoguang Temple is also known as the 'Divine Light' Temple and is located in the county of Xindu which lies about 18 kilometers from Chengdu city. The temple acquired its name from the emperor Xizong of Tang Dynasty when he saw divine light coming from the bottom half of the temple one night. Legend also says how monks at the temple discovered 13 relics of Buddha or Shelizi. Today, the history, architecture and majestic sculptures not to mention the peaceful environment and excellent guest services which have made the Baoguang Temple a popular destination for travelers from China and abroad.

Baoguang Temple was built in on grand scale. There are more than 400 huge pillars that form a distributive structure of one tower, five halls and sixteen courtyards. The Baoguang Temple along with the Zhaojue Temple on north suburb and the Caotang Temple on southwest suburb are the three largest temples in the city of Chengdu.

One of the most outstanding halls of the Baoguamg Temple is the Cangjinglou Hall where numerous kinds of Buddhism lections were collected here. Another major attraction of the Baoguamg Temple is the Arhat Hall which covers a total area of 1600 square meters. Over 577 kinds of sculptures are housed here which were built by the by the famous engraver of Sichuan Province, Li Guangxiu, and his disciples. Each statue housed in the Arhat Hall has a unique posture and expression. The sculptures not to be found anywhere n China and have also become great treasures of the Baoguang Temple.

There are many State treasures including 'Running Horses' in addition to the historic relics and sculptures at the Baoguamg Temple which were drawn by famous Chinese artist Beihong. Other cultural relics preserved in the temple include Shelizi (Buddhist relics) of Baoguang Temple; bronze Ding (an ancient cooking vessel), and other precious paintings by well-known artists.

An admission fee of CNY 18 is charged to gain entry to the Baoguamg Temple in Chengdu. The temple remains open from 9AM to 5:50PM.