Guide to the Great Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng

I've been to many places in Henan, but this is my first time in Kaifeng. The first stop upon arriving in Kaifeng is the renowned Great Xiangguo Temple. Being there in person is incomparable to just looking at pictures, reading texts, or watching videos. It allows for a better appreciation of the profound historical significance that Kaifeng once held in various aspects, especially the spread of Buddhism in Kaifeng and its influence on thought, art, and culture! The Great Xiangguo Temple, originally named Jianguo Temple, is located on the west section of Freedom Road in Kaifeng City, Henan Province, and is one of China's famous Buddhist temples. It was first built in the sixth year of the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi dynasty (555 AD). In the first year of the Yanhe era (712 AD) of the Tang dynasty, Emperor Ruizong renamed it the Great Xiangguo Temple to commemorate his ascension to the throne from the position of Prince Xiang. During the Northern Song dynasty, the temple was highly esteemed by the royal family, expanded several times, and became the largest temple in the capital and the center for Buddhist activities nationwide. It was later damaged due to wars and floods. In the tenth year of the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty (1671 AD), it was restored. The existing structures of the Great Xiangguo Temple include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Octagonal Glazed Hall, the Sutra Repository, and the Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Buddha, among other ancient relics. In 1963, it was designated as one of the first batch of cultural relics protection units in Henan Province. In August 1992, Buddhist activities were resumed, and buildings such as the bell and drum towers were reconstructed. The layout of the entire temple complex is rigorous and the architecture is majestic and spectacular.