Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Updated April 6, 2026

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a well-regarded tourist attraction located in Foshan, China. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find Temple of the Six Banyan Trees at 87 Liurong Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510000.

Visiting Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Located in Foshan, China, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at 87 Liurong Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510000. GPS coordinates: 23.128224, 113.260111. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

Places to Stay Near Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

So, here’s the thing you need to know upfront: The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is actually in Guangzhou, not Foshan. Both cities are in Guangdong Province, but don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This Buddhist temple’s been standing since 537 AD, and its 57-meter Flower Pagoda still manages to steal the show on Guangzhou’s skyline.

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll get more than a history lesson. There are guided tours winding through ancient halls, photo ops under those sprawling banyan trees, and daily Buddhist ceremonies that feel both ancient and oddly grounding.

The temple’s smack in the middle of Liurong Road, Yuexiu District. If you’re coming from Foshan, you’re looking at about an hour’s drive—totally doable for a day trip.

What really sets this place apart? It’s not just the centuries. The temple’s poetic name comes from the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who in 1100 was so taken by six banyan trees he carved the characters himself. The original trees? Gone. But their leafy descendants still cast shade over courtyards where families line up for blessings—especially for adopted kids.

Key Takeaways

• The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is in Guangzhou, not Foshan, and dates back to 537 AD.
• Climb the 13-story Flower Pagoda for city views, and check out halls packed with ancient Buddhist art.
• Free admission, guided tours, and you can get here by subway or taxi from anywhere in Guangzhou.

About Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

This Buddhist temple in Guangzhou (not Foshan!) has been around for nearly 1,500 years. It’s one of southern China‘s most revered religious spots.

The name? That’s thanks to a poet’s visit. Now it draws both worshippers and the curious, all looking for a little peace in the city.

History and Significance

First built in 537 AD during the Liang Dynasty, the temple’s seen its fair share of rebuilds and name changes. It started as Baoyan Temple, then Zhuangyan Temple, before finally becoming the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees in 1100 AD.

Poet Su Shi (aka Su Dongpo) visited during the Song Dynasty and spotted six impressive banyan trees. He scrawled “Liurong”—“six banyans”—and the monks preserved his calligraphy in stone. The original trees didn’t make it, but replacements planted over 170 years ago still shade the courtyard.

In 1983, the Chinese government officially recognized the temple as a major Buddhist site for the Han Chinese. It’s also a key spot for Chan (Zen) Buddhism and has a Hall of Huineng, honoring one of the sect’s founding figures.

What Makes It Special

The Flower Pagoda is the showstopper here, stretching up 57.6 meters—Guangzhou’s tallest pagoda. You’ll see nine levels from outside, but inside? Seventeen floors, thanks to some sneaky hidden ones. Each tier has these curved eaves that look like flower petals, which is where the nickname comes from.

The Main Shrine Hall has three massive Buddha statues—each 6 meters tall and weighing a whopping 10 tons. There’s also the Hall of Friendship, where a Shakyamuni statue from Thailand’s education ministry sits—a little nod to Buddhist ties across borders.

Despite being downtown, the temple is surprisingly peaceful. The monks are friendly, and if you’re up for it, you can ask for a private blessing (for a fee). Tossing coins for luck in the courtyard? Absolutely encouraged.

What to See and Do

The temple complex is a treat for anyone who loves a good mix of towering architecture and quiet courtyards. You might catch monks performing morning rituals if you time it right.

Weekday mornings are best—less crowded, and the light is just right for photos.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The Flower Pagoda is front and center—a nine-story octagonal tower that rises 57 meters. Locals sometimes call it the Thousand Buddha Pagoda, and for good reason. Inside, there are over 1,000 Buddha statues tucked along the seventeen interior floors.

Climbing it is a workout, but the nine exterior balconies give you killer views over Guangzhou. Just pace yourself.

The Mahavira Hall is home to three copper Buddha statues from the Qing dynasty, each over 6 meters tall. They represent Amitabha, Shakyamuni, and Medicine Buddha—past, present, and future. The Hall of Avalokitesvara is popular with locals praying for kids or relationships; Guanyin’s reputation is strong here.

There’s also the Buddha Tooth Relic, brought all the way from Cambodia during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Out in the courtyard, three replanted banyan trees (the originals are long gone) and lotus ponds add a splash of color. The Hall of the Sixth Patriarch is often overlooked by tour groups, but it’s worth ducking into if you want a quieter spot.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. on weekdays to catch morning chanting and dodge the crowds. The temple opens at 8:00 and last entry is at 4:30 p.m.—no exceptions.

Morning sunlight hits the Flower Pagoda just right for photos, especially around 9:00 a.m. If you’re hungry, the vegetarian dining hall serves lunch from 11:30 to noon—it’s free, but don’t expect to snag a seat if you’re late.

Honestly, skip July to September. Guangzhou’s humidity is brutal and typhoons can ruin your plans. Spring and fall are much more comfortable for wandering the grounds. Weekends? They’re busy with worshippers, so stick to weekdays if you can swing it.

Visitor Information

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is right in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu District. It’s not in Foshan, even though folks sometimes mix them up.

Location and How to Get There

You’ll find the temple at 87 Liurong Road, central Guangzhou—about 30 kilometers from Foshan. If you’re coming from Foshan, hop on the Guangfo Metro Line to Xilang Station, switch to Guangzhou Metro Line 1 and get off at Gongyuanqian Station. Exit E, then it’s a ten-minute walk up Zhongshan 6th Road.

Plenty of buses stop nearby. Routes 12 and 215 drop you at Liurong Road Stop. Buses 74, 85, 88, 102, 104, 107, 193, 233, 250, and 286 all stop at Zhongshan Liulu Stop—both are just a short stroll away.

If you’re loaded down with bags or wrangling kids, a taxi is a solid choice. Show your driver this: 广州市越秀区六榕路87号. From Foshan, the ride’s about 45 minutes, give or take. Already exploring Beijing Road Pedestrian Street? The temple’s a 15-minute walk—just keep an eye out for that pagoda peeking over the trees.

Tips for Visitors

The temple opens daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours sometimes shift if there’s a festival going on. If you can swing it, show up before 10:00 AM—it’s quieter, and the morning light is honestly perfect for photos.

Tickets run about 10 RMB for adults. Kids under 1.2 meters? They get in free.

Bring some cash or have WeChat Pay ready. A few ticket booths still don’t accept foreign cards, which is a bit of a hassle.

Dress on the modest side—shoulders and knees covered. It’s just the respectful thing to do.

The main paths are flat, so if you’re coming with a wheelchair or stroller, you shouldn’t have trouble. Restrooms are right near the entrance, which is a relief.

No drinking water inside, weirdly enough. Pack your own bottle, or you’ll be parched halfway through.

Before you walk in, silence your phone. And don’t use flash when snapping photos inside the halls—it’s frowned upon.

If you’re hoping to light incense, grab a bundle at the temple shop. Only use the designated spots—don’t just wing it.

For photos? The Flower Pagoda is a stunner, and the bronze Buddha statue is hard to beat.