Baofeng Temple, Xiqiao Mountain

Baofeng Temple on Xiqiao Mountain is located in Xiqiao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province. It has a history of more than 600 years and is one of the four famous temples in southern Guangdong. The following is a detailed introduction to Baofeng Temple on Xiqiao Mountain: I. Historical Background Baofeng Temple was first built in the 2nd year of the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1404) and was rebuilt in the 15th year of the Chenghua period (1479). The ancient temple went through many vicissitudes of life and was left with only broken walls. After the reform and opening up, with the approval of relevant provincial departments, Baofeng Temple on Xiqiao Mountain was rebuilt in a new location. The new site is located in Shegang, Shipai Village, Xiqiao Mountain. II. Temple Scale and Architecture The temple is 180 meters long from north to south and 120 meters wide from east to west, covering an area of 21,600 square meters. The temple buildings are designed in the style of the Ming Dynasty, trying to maintain the architectural style of the original site, and the whole temple looks elegant and simple. On the central axis of the temple, there are the Mountain Gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Dharma Hall, and other buildings. On both sides, there are the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Guanyin Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Manjusri Hall, and the Samantabhadra Hall, as well as the Abbot's Building and the Monk's House. III. Landmark Building The landmark building in the temple is the Nanhai Guanyin sitting statue, which is located on the top of Daxian Peak, one of the seventy-two peaks of Xiqiao Mountain. The Guanyin statue was laid in 1995, took three years to build, and was opened to the public in 1998. The statue is made of copper and is 61.9 meters high, making it the tallest Guanyin sitting statue in the world. The statue faces south and sits cross-legged on a lotus seat, with a kind face, looking down at the land of the South China Sea, protecting the peace and harmony of the world.