Guangren Temple

Historical Overview
Commissioned by Emperor Kangxi in 1705 to promote ethnic unity, the temple was rebuilt in 1765 under Emperor Qianlong after earthquake damage. It played a pivotal role in the 1900 Boxer Rebellion, providing refuge to foreign missionaries. In 1952, it became a national Buddhist association training center, and in 2023, a ¥40 million renovation restored its murals and added a digital prayer wheel gallery. Recent events include the 2024 “Saka Dawa Festival” celebrating Buddha’s enlightenment with monastic debates and alms offerings.

Structural Layout
The temple follows a traditional Tibetan Buddhist layout with three main sections:

1. Prayer Hall Zone: Centered on the Grand Prayer Hall, housing the Je Tsongkhapa statue, thangkas, and a 1,000-arm Guanyin mural.
2. Stupa Courtyard: Features eight white stupas symbolizing the Eightfold Path and a 200-year-old sandalwood prayer wheel.
3. Monastic Living Area: Includes the Lamas’ Quarters, a scripture library, and a butter sculpture workshop.
   Key landmarks include the “Golden Roof Pavilion” and the “Mani Wall” inscribed with 100,000 mantras.

Major Attractions

1. Grand Prayer Hall: The temple’s core, with daily chanting sessions at 9 AM and 3 PM.
2. Butter Lamp Offering: Visitors can participate in lighting butter lamps for blessings (¥20 donation).
3. Digital Prayer Wheel Gallery: Interactive screens simulating the spinning of 108 traditional wheels.
4. Tibetan Medicine Exhibit: Showcases rare herbs and diagnostic tools used in traditional healing.
5. Saka Dawa Festival: Annual May–June event with monk debates and free vegetarian meals.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (1 hour):
   Main Entrance → Mani Wall → Grand Prayer Hall → Stupa Courtyard → Golden Roof Pavilion
   Highlights: Core spiritual sites and architectural marvels.
2. Cultural Route (2 hours):
   Add the Scripture Library, Butter Sculpture Workshop, and Tibetan Medicine Exhibit.
   Highlights: Deep dive into Buddhist arts and traditions.
3. Festival Route (Half-Day):
   Attend Saka Dawa Festival activities, including monk debates and alms rounds.

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: ¥30 (peak season, March–November); ¥20 (off-season). Free for children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and monks.
• Combo Tickets: ¥50 includes admission and a butter lamp offering.
• Online Booking: Available via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: GuangrenTemple2025).

Transportation

• By Subway: Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (Exit D), 10-minute walk.
• By Bus: Routes 12, 26, or 600 to Guangren Temple Stop.
• By Taxi: ¥20–¥30 from Xi’an city center.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: May–June (Saka Dawa Festival) and September–October (mild weather).
• Avoid: Midday heat in summer; visit mornings for prayer sessions.
• Essentials: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), remove shoes before entering halls, and bring cash for donations.
• Prohibited: Smoking, photography inside prayer halls, and touching religious artifacts.
• Local Dish: Try “Butter tea” and “Tsampa” (Roasted barley flour) at the temple’s vegetarian café.