A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Hidden Amidst the Bustling Prosperity of Guangzhou

📍 Guangxiao Temple, Guangzhou
🕒 Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
🎫 Admission: 5 RMB (includes one incense stick) 💰
🚗 Transportation: Metro Line 1, Ximenkou Station, Exit C, 5-minute walk

🌟 Must-Visit Highlights
1️⃣ Buddha Worship Route
- Clockwise Worship: After entering, follow the signs to walk clockwise without backtracking; sincerity brings blessings![[1]]()
- Four Main Buddha Halls: Hall of Heavenly Kings → Mahavira Hall → Patriarch Hall → Karan Hall. Make wishes and offer flowers at each hall, symbolizing peace, career, romance, and health coverage[[4]]()

2️⃣ Blessing Charms and Lucky Bags
- Wooden House behind the Thai Buddha Hall: Academic charm 35 RMB, Wealth charm 25 RMB, Safety charm 20 RMB. Blessed charms can be taken home[[1]]()
- Lucky Bag Blind Boxes: Wealth/Romance lucky bags include a sachet and red string, cannot be opened, wear according to your needs (put wallet in your workspace/bracelet worn on hand)

3️⃣ Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Tree
- Bodhi Tree: Legend says the Sixth Patriarch Huineng was ordained here. The tree is over a thousand years old with a cloud-like canopy, perfect for spiritual photos! 📸[[6]]()

4️⃣ Vegetarian Dining Experience
- Bodhi Ganlu Restaurant: Authentic vegetarian dishes at about 50 RMB per person. Recommended dishes include vegetarian claypot rice and Luohan vegetarian dish, both pure and healthy[[3]]()

🌞 Light and Shadow Secret Spots · Photo Opportunities
📷 Best Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, when sunlight slants on the Mahavira Hall, the golden glazed tiles and red walls shine beautifully!
📷 Hidden Spots:
- Corridor behind the Karan Hall, where light filters through window lattices onto the blue bricks, full of vintage charm[[3]]()
- Near the ancient well inside the temple, moss-covered stone slabs and hanging banyan trees create a Japanese Zen vibe for casual shots[[4]]()

🛒 Souvenirs & Surroundings
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Creative Products: At the entrance, Guangcai porcelain plates and sandalwood incense sticks are sold, great for gifts![[3]]()
- Metro Station Snacks: Bowl-shaped shark fin soup, fried quail eggs, beef offal, all for about 15 RMB per person, offering authentic local flavors[[4]]()

❗ Notes
✅ No hats inside the temple; dress modestly with clothes covering knees and shoulders (short skirts/shorts will be reminded)[[4]]()
✅ When worshiping, you can say your name, lunar birthday, and wish sincerely for blessings[[1]]()
✅ When incense is not busy (not on the 1st or 15th of the lunar month), the temple is quiet and peaceful, ideal for in-depth visits