Prajna Temple

Introducing Prajna Temple
Prajna Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Changchun. Prajna Temple is also known as Huguo Bo’re Temple. Originally built in 1922 and significantly expanded in the following decades, it’s one of the largest (7,200 square meters) and most important Buddhist temples in Northeast China.

The temple complex derives its name from ‘Prajna,’ the Sanskrit word for wisdom and insight. Its architecture is impressive, featuring vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist styles. The complex houses numerous halls dedicated to various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Mahavira, and the Ksitigarbha Hall.

Prajna Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Huguo Bo’re Temple
• Chinese Name: Bō Rě Sì 般若寺
• Date Established: 1922
• Area: 7,200 square meters (1.78 acres)
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Buddhism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 137 Changchun Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin Province

What to Expect at the Prajna Temple
Prajna Temple provides a tranquil haven for Buddhist practice, study, and cultural exchange. The serene atmosphere invites quiet reflection, allowing both local devotees and international visitors to cultivate inner peace and deepen their understanding of the Dharma.

The Hall of the Heavenly Kings
In the center of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings sits Maitreya Buddha, a benevolent smile gracing his face. His chest and belly are bare as he rests upon a lotus throne. Flanking him on either side of the hall stand imposing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Each king stands triumphant, atop figures representing worldly attachments and defilements, symbolizing their role as guardians of the Buddhist temple. Behind Maitreya, Skanda Bodhisattva, the protector deity, stands vigilant with his vajra resting on the ground, radiating an aura of valiant protection. Two stone tablets stand in front of the hall, further narrating the history of Prajna Temple. The western tablet details the temple’s origins and history, while the eastern tablet recounts its restorations.

The Hall of the Mahavira
The Hall of the Mahavira rises majestically beyond the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, forming the heart of the temple complex. Its imposing exterior features intricate carvings adorning the beams, rafters, and layers of interlocking brackets. Resplendent reds, golds, and blues—accented by gilded dragons and clouds—create a breathtaking spectacle. Inside, a golden Buddha statue (Shakyamuni) sits at the center, gazing compassionately upon all beings. Flanking him are eighteen Arhat statues, each with a unique and lifelike expression. At the rear of the hall, a shrine houses a statue of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy. The compassionate figure holds her willow branch and pure water vase, offering salvation to all. The entire hall exudes grandeur, with serene Buddha images, creating a sacred and harmonious religious atmosphere.

The Hall of the Three Sages
The two-story Hall of the Three Sages, with its complex, sloping roof, houses an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures on the upper floor. The lower floor houses statues of Amitabha Buddha, Avalokiteśvara, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva — the three sages of the Western Pure Land (A Buddhist paradise attained through faith in Amitabha Buddha). Towering pines and cypresses fill the courtyard, and birdsong fills the air, creating an atmosphere of serene antiquity and religious profundity.

How to Get to Prajna Temple
• By Bus: Take bus G6, 124, G124, K306 to Chongqinglu (Chongqing Road) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Renminguangchang (Renmin Square) Station.