Changzhou's Baolin Temple: All You Need to Know

Just when I thought I had seen the best that Changzhou had to offer, I visited Baolin Temple and my mind was blown, once again.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BAOLIN TEMPLE

In the words of Shunde people: "There is no Shunde, there only is Baolin first." Baolin Temple was built in the Southern Han Dynasty in the late Tang and Five Dynasties, around 942 AD, and has been around for more than a thousand years. Since its creation, Baolin has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, so much so that it is no longer in its original state.

When first arriving at Baolin, you will walk across the Ruyi Bridge, which is like a white jade belt. Surrounding it is a fresh and open traditional garden. The garden is dotted with eleven natural stones. The view of Baolin from the bridge is an almost-European scenery.

One of the most recent additions in the past few years is a pagoda behind the temple that oddly enough resembles a pineapple. The pagoda is dedicated to Guanyin, a goddess of mercy. She is all over the pagoda with golden statues and exterior paintings depicting her showing mercy to people.

The main attraction in Baolin is the interior of the pagoda. There are both giant and small golden statues of Guanyin all around the inside. You have the option of taking both the elevator and stairs up the pagoda to get different beautiful views of the interior.

Behind the pagoda, there are rows of exquisite antique residential buildings. These buildings are the residence of Baolin Temple Monks who came to study Buddhism and carry out religious activities.

ADMISSION + HOURS

Admission to the temple is FREE (yay!). The temple is open to the public from 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Chinese residents recommend going during the Chinese New Year as it is more festive.

WHERE TO GO

Baolin Road, Shunde District, Foshan 528300, China. This is the Chinese name: 宝林寺, as well as the address: 528300顺德区宝林路. You can show this for DiDi and taxi purposes.