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).
Address
109 Guangxiao Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
越秀区光孝路109号
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
For foreign visitors
- English service: partial english
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: not needed
- Best time: Early morning for chanting; weekday mornings for quiet
- Wi-Fi: none
- Transit access: metro direct
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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
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