Originally founded in 537 CE under the Liang dynasty to house Buddhist relics, the temple was renamed by the great poet Su Dongpo in 1099 after he was charmed by its six banyan trees. The headline feature is the 'Flowery Pagoda' (花塔) — a 57.6 m, nine-storey octagonal pagoda built in 1097, with a bronze-and-iron pillar topping each tier. From street level it appears to be 17 storeys, the colourful effect that gave it its name. The pagoda was the tallest structure in Guangzhou until the early 20th century. The temple complex also contains a striking large bronze Buddha (1663) and a small but excellent Lingnan-style hall housing a famed statue of Bodhidharma. Active Buddhist temple — monks chant morning and evening. Entry ¥5, closed for special ceremonies on lunar 1st and 15th. 5-min walk to Guangxiao Temple (another major heritage site).

Address

87 Liurong Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

越秀区六榕路87号

Highlights

Flower Pagoda (花塔)1097 CE octagonal pagoda — climb to top floor for old-city views (small fee)
Su Dongpo's CalligraphyThe 'Six Banyans' inscription carved in stone at the entrance was written by Su himself in 1099
Bronze Buddha Hall1663 Qing-dynasty bronze Buddha, 6m tall and 10 tonnes — rare survivor
Bodhidharma StatueLingnan-style sculpture of the Zen Buddhism founder; the temple was once visited by him in 527 CE
Morning Sutra ChantingMonks chant 6:30-7:30am — visitors welcome to observe silently

For foreign visitors

English service: none
Cards accepted: cash_only
Booking / entry: not needed
Best time: Morning chanting 6:30-7:30am for atmosphere; weekday mornings less crowded
Wi-Fi: none
Transit access: metro direct