The Baoguang Temple (宝光寺) and Gui Lake Cultural Tourism Area (桂湖文化旅游区) is a comprehensive tourist destination that has been developed around the ancient Baoguang Temple and the historic Gui Lake, originally designed during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is the largest and most diverse tourist area in the Xindu District, offering a rich variety of attractions.
The tourism area is characterized by its stunning natural scenery and deep cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil waters of Gui Lake, which stretch across vast expanses, adorned with swaying lotus flowers. The atmosphere is serene, complemented by the melodious chants that resonate within Baoguang Temple, a site known for its vibrant incense offerings and spiritual ambiance.
The entire scenic area consists of three main attractions: Baoguang Temple, Gui Lake Park, and Gui Lake Forest Square. Each spot contributes to a harmonious blend of nature and culture, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of both the environment and the rich history of the region.
Travel Information about Baoguang Temple and Gui Lake
Admission and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices: Baoguang Temple: ¥5; Gui Lake Park: ¥30.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is in summer and autumn. In summer, you can enjoy the breathtaking lotus ponds filled with vibrant lotus leaves and flowers. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the sweet scent of osmanthus fills the air, and the annual Osmanthus Festival takes place.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: 109 Guihu Middle Road, Xindu District, Chengdu.
Public Transport: Take Metro Line 3 to Machao West Road Station.
Attraction Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of the Scenic Area
Baoguang Temple
Baoguang Temple is one of the “Four Great Buddhist Monasteries” in southern China, established during the Qing Dynasty. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves and encircled by red walls, the temple features an intricate wooden and stone structure that consists of a pagoda, five halls, and sixteen courtyards. The main axis is marked by a series of significant buildings, including the Fuzi Screen Wall, Mountain Gate Hall, Heavenly Kings Hall, Sarira Pagoda, Seven Buddhas Hall, Scripture Building, and the picturesque Zixia Mountain, all arranged in a harmonious layout. Flanking these central structures are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, as well as guest halls, meditation halls, dining halls, and other facilities, creating a comprehensive representation of a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple.
Among its notable features, the Arhat Hall in Baoguang Temple is the oldest and largest clay sculpture hall of its kind in China. Established in the first year of the Xianfeng era, it houses 59 statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and ancestors, along with 518 Arhats, each approximately two meters tall. These statues are beautifully crafted, adorned with colorful paintings and gold leaf, showcasing a variety of poses and expressions, bringing them to life with exquisite artistry.
Additionally, the Sarira Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty, stands at 30 meters tall with thirteen tiers in a distinctive Chinese-style design. Slightly leaning to the west, it has earned the nickname “The Leaning Tower of the East.” Legend has it that despite its precarious tilt, it remains standing due to its resilience during earthquakes.
The temple is also renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, which employs traditional Sichuan cooking techniques to create dishes that resemble meat in both appearance and flavor, yet are entirely plant-based. These dishes are flavorful, refreshing, and uniquely satisfying, making Baoguang Temple a standout in the realm of Chinese culinary arts.
Gui Lake Park
Gui Lake, located just outside Baoguang Temple, dates back to the Sui and Tang dynasties and later became the literary retreat of the Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Shen. This picturesque garden exemplifies the refined artistry of classical Sichuan landscaping, featuring a serene environment steeped in cultural heritage.
Covering over 40,000 square meters, Gui Lake Park centers around the tranquil lake, with various scenic spots and buildings surrounding it. The architectural elements of the park draw inspiration from traditional Chinese garden design, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship with various types of bridges – flat, arch, and curved – constructed from materials like white marble and granite. These features reflect the grandeur of historical palace gardens. The park is especially famous for its osmanthus and lotus plants, recognized as one of the top five osmanthus viewing spots and one of the eight major lotus viewing areas in China, respectively.
A highlight of Gui Lake Park is the Stele Forest, which features a traditional courtyard-style building with a central hall and three surrounding corridors. Inside, there are over one hundred stone inscriptions from renowned calligraphers of the Ming, Qing, and modern periods. Notably, the “Maxim Stele,” crafted by Peng Xun from Guanyuan County (now Dujiangyan City) during the Qing Dynasty, is particularly famous. Made from high-density Hezhou Gorge stone, the stele measures 163 cm in height and 89 cm in width, showcasing forty maxims in elegant and powerful calligraphy.
At the entrance of Gui Lake Park stands a wisteria tree, believed to have been planted by Yang Sheng’an, the top scholar from Xindu during the Ming Dynasty, making it over 400 years old. Its sprawling vines intertwine above the entrance, extending in both east and west directions, creating a rare 100-meter-long wisteria corridor that is unmatched across the country. This impressive tree surpasses many ancient vines in China, such as the “Three Uniques of Suzhou,” reputedly planted by the famous painter Wen Zhengming, and the “Longevity Vine” from the Song dynasty in Jiangyin Zhongshan Park, making it a must-see attraction.
Who is Yan Sheng’an:
Yang Shen (1488-1559), styled Yongxiu and known by his courtesy name Sheng’an, was a prominent literary figure from the Ming Dynasty and is regarded as the foremost among the “Three Great Talents” of that era. Born in Xindu, Sichuan (now part of Chengdu), he became known for his literary prowess.
Yang Shen was involved in the controversial “Grand Ceremony” discussions, which led to conflict with the emperor, the Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty. As a result, he faced punishment and was stripped of his official position in 1524 during the thirteenth year of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign, subsequently being exiled to Yunnan. Despite the challenges he faced, Yang Shen made significant contributions to academic and cultural advancements in Yunnan throughout his exile, leaving behind an enduring legacy. His work and influence played a vital role in promoting literary and cultural development during a pivotal time in Chinese history.
Gui Lake Forest Square
Gui Lake Forest Square is a beautifully reconstructed area covering 180 acres, located alongside the new Gui Lake. The square harmoniously combines mountains, water, and forests, offering stunning and diverse landscapes.
One side of the square features the renovated Jinma River, with its crystal-clear waters flowing beneath three exquisitely designed ancient-style stone bridges. Lining the riverbanks are graceful willows and bamboo groves, complemented by traditional street lamps that enhance the area’s charm. The square is richly planted with various tree species, shrubs, and flowers, creating a vibrant green atmosphere.
Additionally, the new Gui Lake has introduced several attractions, including rockeries, waterfalls, viewing platforms, and islands such as Furong Island and Camphor Island. These sites not only carry a deep historical and cultural significance but also incorporate a modern touch, beautifully complementing the scenery of the old Gui Lake.
At the heart of the forest square stands the five-story tower known as “Louwailou.” Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views of the new district and the surrounding square. The tower is flanked by wide wooden eaves with intricately carved green tiles, providing shaded resting areas for guests to relax and enjoy the serene environment.