Location & Transportation

Baoguang Guihu Cultural Tourism Area Baoguang Temple is nestled in Xindu District, just 18 kilometers north of downtown Chengdu. The temple sits at 80 Baoguang Street, Xindu District, easily reachable by metro (Line 3 to Xindu Station) or a 30-minute taxi ride from central Chengdu. Its serene location, surrounded by gardens and the nearby Guihu Park (Osmanthus Lake), makes it a perfect day trip from the city.

Natural Scenery

While Baoguang Temple is famous for its cultural heritage, the area also offers peaceful green spaces. The temple grounds feature lush gardens with ancient trees, and the adjacent Guihu Park boasts seasonal blooms, especially fragrant osmanthus flowers in autumn. A quiet pond near the temple’s entrance reflects the pagoda’s shadow, creating a picturesque spot for photos.

Historical & Cultural Highlights

Baoguang Temple dates back over 1,900 years, originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Its name “Baoguang” (Precious Light) comes from a legend: in 881 AD, Emperor Xizong of Tang sought refuge here and ordered the temple’s reconstruction. Today, the temple’s 30-meter-tall pagoda, built in the Tang era, stands as a centerpiece. Each of its 13 layers holds intricate Buddha carvings and ringing copper bells.

The temple’s layout follows traditional Chinese symmetry, with halls like the Tianwang Hall (Hell’s Guardians Hall) and the Daxiong Hall (Main Hall) lined up along the north-south axis. Over 400 stone columns, carved with dragons and lotus patterns, showcase incredible craftsmanship. One of the temple’s treasures is the Thousand-Buddha Stone Tablet from the Nanbei朝 (Southern and Northern Dynasties), etched with tiny佛像 (Buddha figures).

The Famous Arhat Hall

A must-see is the Arhat Hall on the temple’s east side. Here, 508 life-sized statues of arhats (enlightened beings) stand in dynamic poses—some smiling, others lost in thought. Each figure is 2 meters tall and painted in gold, with vivid expressions that feel almost lifelike. Legend says touching a statue’s belly brings good luck!

Hidden Treasures

Baoguang Temple holds three sacred relics called the “Three Jewels”:

  1. Sarira (Buddha’s ashes) enshrined in the pagoda.
  2. Udumbara Flower (a rare plant said to bloom only when Buddha preaches).
  3. Beiye Sutras (ancient palm-leaf manuscripts).
    These relics add a layer of spiritual depth to the site.

Practical Visiting Tips

  • Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM–5 PM.
  • Entrance Fee: Free for the temple; small charge for the Arhat Hall.
  • Guided Tours: Available in English (book ahead online).
  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, a vegetarian cafe, and souvenir shops selling local tea and handicrafts.

Immersive Experience

Visitors can join morning chanting sessions or try tea meditation in the temple’s courtyard. During festivals, monks perform rituals like water-later ceremony, where they sprinkle water to bless the crowd. For history buffs, the on-site museum explains how the temple rose to fame in the Tang Dynasty, when it housed 3,000 monks—a bustling hub of Buddhist learning.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Baoguang Guihu Cultural Tourism Area Baoguang Temple isn’t just a historic site; it’s a living museum. Whether you’re marveling at Tang-era architecture, exploring myths behind the “Three Jewels,” or simply soaking in the tranquil gardens, it offers a deep dive into China’s Buddhist culture—all within a stone’s throw from Chengdu. Pair it with nearby Guihu Park for a full day of culture and nature!