Hongyuan Temple, Shiyan

This article was originally published on October 10, 2011, in the Shenzhen Daily.
The information was accurate at that time, and may be outdated now. Use with caution.

Trees flank the approach to the Heavenly Kings' Hall

Many visitors to Shenzhen are familiar with Hongfa Temple in Fairy Lake, the largest Buddhist temple in the city. In fact, I have been told by many that it is the only Buddhist temple here!

But in fact, there are several others. One of them is just a short ride from my home in Xili, at Shiyan Lake (bus 392 from Window of the World underground station terminates there).

A concrete relief of Amitabha Buddha graces the hill behind the temple

In contrast to the almost carnival atmosphere at Hongfa, the smaller Hongyuan Temple is a peaceful paradise.

Lately, however, it has been subject to the sound of jackhammers and power tools. Sponsored by the larger Hongfa, its mother temple, Hongyuan is expanding. In addition, some of the existing buildings have undergone a facelift.

The Main Hall is a good example of the colorful style of the temple

I have been watching the progress on my twice-monthly visits, and am happy to say that one phase will be completed, and a new hall opened, in the middle of October. [Actually, it was months behind schedule!]

The completed altar in the Main Hall

The Main Hall and its three bronze figures (Puxian, the Bodhisattva of Great Practice; Shakyamuni, the historic Buddha; and Wenshu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom) are receiving their last touches of new paint. And the new hall behind the Main Hall is nearly complete.

The new Meditation Hall is more somber in appearance

The new building joins the four halls already standing: The Heavenly Kings Hall, with its Laughing Buddha, Four Kings, and Weituo; the Drum and Bell Towers, with Guanyin and Dizang respectively; and the Main Hall with the above-mentioned figures plus the 18 Arhats around the edges.

Head out to Shiyan to scoop up some peace and quiet!

Small pagodas are situated to the left of the Heavenly Kings' Hall

This site is also mentioned in my article "Shiyan Lake."

GPS Info:

• 22.7018, 113.9026

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