"Lu Zhishen Uproots the Willow" at Kaifeng Daxiangguo Temple!

After visiting Kaifeng Prefecture, I walked to Daxiangguo Temple, just two streets away. Stepping into the temple, I transitioned from the solemn authority of the government to the serene and dignified atmosphere of Buddhism. As one of the top ten famous Han Chinese Buddhist temples in China, Daxiangguo Temple features a rigorous architectural layout, symmetrically arranged along the central axis with the Shanmen Gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Octagonal Glazed Hall, and Sutra Library. The simple and elegant halls in Ming and Qing architectural styles look especially magnificent against the blue sky.

This thousand-year-old temple was first built in the sixth year of the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi Dynasty (555 AD) and has a history of over 1,400 years, having undergone several cycles of prosperity and decline. Due to imperial reverence, the abbot of Daxiangguo Temple was personally appointed by the emperor. Major events such as royal inspections, prayers, and imperial examination announcements were held here, earning it the title of "Imperial Temple." The temple opened five times a month for public trade, becoming an important venue for political, commercial, social, and cultural activities.

The most striking building in Daxiangguo Temple is the Octagonal Glazed Hall, also known as the Arhat Hall. This hall consists of two parts: an outer corridor and an inner octagonal pavilion standing at the center. Inside the hall is a statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, about 7 meters tall and weighing approximately 2,000 kilograms. It was exquisitely carved from a single ginkgo tree during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty.

Daxiangguo Temple is widely known among the public, largely thanks to the literary charm of "Water Margin." Chapter 7, "The Flower Monk Uproots the Willow," vividly and exaggeratedly describes the legendary story of Lu Zhishen at this temple. Sculptures and exhibits related to Lu Zhishen’s story inside the temple add an interesting dimension to Daxiangguo Temple!

Post by JackMaguire78 | Oct 24, 2025