Why is Guangxiao Temple important in Buddhism?

It is where Hui Neng, the Sixth Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, was ordained in 676 CE under the temple's bodhi tree. That moment helped launch the Southern school of Zen, so the site draws Chan pilgrims from across Asia. The Liu-zu Hall is dedicated to him, and a pagoda here preserved his shaved hair.

How do I get to Guangxiao Temple, and how much does it cost?

Take Metro Line 1 to Ximenkou station and use Exit A; the temple is about a five-minute walk. Entry is roughly 5 yuan, cash only, so bring small notes. It opens early, around 6:00, and closes mid-afternoon. Note it may close on Buddhist festival days, the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.

Is Guangxiao Temple worth visiting if I'm short on time?

Yes, especially paired with Liurong Temple five minutes away. The grounds are compact, peaceful, and walkable in about an hour. You get the Tang-era twin iron pagodas, the bodhi tree, the rebuilt Main Hall, and the Zen heritage in one stop, without the crowds of bigger Guangzhou sights.

Guangxiao Temple, Guangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

The oldest and most historically significant Buddhist temple in Guangzhou — predates the city itself. Where Zen patriarch Hui Neng was ordained in 676 CE.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 光孝寺 (Guāngxiào Sì)
Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Early morning for chanting; weekday mornings for quiet
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: 109 Guangxiao Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou · 越秀区光孝路109号

See Guangxiao Templetickets & tours

Trip.com link · we earn a small commission · disclosure

Cantonese folk wisdom says: '未有羊城，先有光孝' — 'Before there was Guangzhou, there was Guangxiao'. The temple's roots trace to a 3rd-century BCE Nanyue royal residence, converted to a Buddhist monastery in 397 CE — making it ~600 years older than Liurong Temple nearby. Its claim to fame: in 676 CE, the wandering monk Hui Neng was tonsured here under the bodhi tree planted by Tripitaka, becoming the Sixth Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. The Main Hall (大雄宝殿) is a 9th-century structure rebuilt in 1696, with mortise-and-tenon timber and a copper roof. Highlights: the dual stone pagodas of east and west iron pagodas (Tang Dynasty, 9-10th century — the oldest iron pagodas in China still intact); the bodhi tree (a descendant of the original); the Hui Neng hair-burial pagoda (where his shaved hair was reportedly preserved); and the Liu-zu Hall (六祖殿) dedicated to the Sixth Patriarch. ¥5 entry, open daily 6:00-17:00. Closed during Buddhist festivals (lunar 1st/15th). Closest Metro: Ximenkou (Line 1, Exit A), 5-min walk. Combine with Liurong Temple (5-min walk).

Highlights

Hui Neng's Ordination TreeThe bodhi tree where the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism was tonsured in 676 CE
Twin Iron Pagodas (东西铁塔)9-10th century Tang Dynasty pagodas — oldest surviving iron pagodas in China
Main Hall (大雄宝殿)9th-century original timber structure, rebuilt 1696; mortise-and-tenon construction
Liu-zu Hall (六祖殿)Dedicated to Hui Neng; pilgrimage site for Chan/Zen Buddhists from across Asia
'Before Guangzhou, Guangxiao'Cantonese folk saying about the temple's age — older than the city itself

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Arrive at opening, around 6:00, to catch monks chanting and the courtyards still empty of tour groups.
▸Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter; skip lunar 1st and 15th when locals flood in and it may close.
▸Bring small cash notes for the low entry fee; cards and mobile pay are unreliable at the ticket window.
▸The twin iron pagodas are easy to walk past, look low and dark; they are the oldest surviving in China.
▸Walk five minutes to Liurong Temple afterward and climb its Flower Pagoda for a contrast to the flat layout here.
▸Dress modestly and keep voices low; this is an active monastery, not just a museum, with worshippers present.
▸Photograph the bodhi tree from beneath in morning light, when sun filters through the leaves over the ordination spot.

Photos

What travelers say (5 reviews)

ZenSeeker·TripAdvisor·5/5

The oldest temple in Guangzhou, predates the city itself. Hui Neng was ordained here in 676 CE — a major Zen Buddhism pilgrimage site.

2026-04-08

光孝寺粉丝·Xiaohongshu·5/5

未有羊城，先有光孝。比六榕寺更古老，禅宗六祖慧能受戒地。5元门票良心价。

2026-03-19

Olivia K.·Google Maps·4/5

The twin iron pagodas (东西铁塔) are the oldest in China still standing — 9-10th century Tang dynasty. Combine with Liurong Temple nearby.

2026-04-25

Lin W.·Ctrip·5/5

比六榕寺历史还悠久，环境清净。早上6点开门，做朝拜的功课最合适。

2026-02-14

TemplePilgrim·YouTube·5/5

Filmed the morning chanting at 6:30am. The Liu-zu Hall dedicated to Hui Neng is the spiritual heart of Chan Buddhism in China.

2026-01-23

Videos

Guangxiao Temple In One Minute | Guangzhou, China

Pedro Nascimento

Guangxiao Si Temple, Guangzhou, China

Mark Day

Frequently asked questions about Guangxiao Temple

Why is Guangxiao Temple important in Buddhism?: It is where Hui Neng, the Sixth Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, was ordained in 676 CE under the temple's bodhi tree. That moment helped launch the Southern school of Zen, so the site draws Chan pilgrims from across Asia. The Liu-zu Hall is dedicated to him, and a pagoda here preserved his shaved hair.
How do I get to Guangxiao Temple, and how much does it cost?: Take Metro Line 1 to Ximenkou station and use Exit A; the temple is about a five-minute walk. Entry is roughly 5 yuan, cash only, so bring small notes. It opens early, around 6:00, and closes mid-afternoon. Note it may close on Buddhist festival days, the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.
Is Guangxiao Temple worth visiting if I'm short on time?: Yes, especially paired with Liurong Temple five minutes away. The grounds are compact, peaceful, and walkable in about an hour. You get the Tang-era twin iron pagodas, the bodhi tree, the rebuilt Main Hall, and the Zen heritage in one stop, without the crowds of bigger Guangzhou sights.