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Great Buddha Temple

Introducing Great Buddha Temple
The Great Buddha Temple is nestled in the Hongguang Mountain of Urumqi. The Great Buddha Temple stands as a beacon of Buddhist faith in Xinjiang. As the largest Buddhist temple in Northwest China, its grandeur is undeniable. Stretching across 14,700 square meters (3.63 acres), the temple complex boasts golden-tiled rooftops crowning its traditionally-styled structures. Intricate carvings and vibrant colors adorn every surface, inviting contemplation and serenity as visitors explore magnificent halls dedicated to Mahavira, the Five Hundred Arhats, and the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara.

Beyond a place of worship, the temple serves as a cultural hub hosting various events and festivals. Its tranquil courtyards, adorned with lush gardens and fragrant incense, offer respite from the city’s hustle, drawing a continuous stream of visitors and devotees who come to offer prayers and find inner peace amidst the temple’s beauty.

Great Buddha Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: DàFó Sì 大佛寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 - 21:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 1077 Hongguangshan Road, Midong District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

What to Expect at Great Buddha Temple
The air inside the Great Buddha Temple hums with a quiet energy. Incense smoke curls towards the towering golden statue, carrying with it the prayers of countless devotees. As you light your own stick of incense, feel the presence of the Buddha, a gentle yet powerful energy that permeates every corner of the sacred space.

The Mountain Gate
The Mountain Gate is the main gate of a Buddhist temple, often featuring three entrances: a large central gate flanked by two smaller ones, hence the name “Three Gates.” Buddhist scriptures interpret these as the gate of emptiness, the gate of signlessness, and the gate of aimlessness. Passing through these gates is believed to liberate the mind and body, serving as a barrier between the sacred realm of Buddhism and the mundane world. 

The Mountain Gate of the Great Buddha Temple stands tall and majestic at 17 meters (55 ft) wide and 15.6 meters (51 ft) high. Both its front and back are adorned with calligraphic plaques: “Awakening the World with Great Compassion” (觉世大慈) on the front, and “Compassionating the World with Great Mercy” (悯世大悲) on the back.

Footprints of Buddha
Enshrined upon a serene lotus pedestal near the temple’s Mountain Gate rest the Footprints of Buddha. Symbolizing virtue and wisdom, the two large bronze footprints measure 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) long and 0.6 meters (2 ft) wide. Flat and even, with all five toes aligned, they serve as a powerful reminder of the Buddha’s unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to guide others on the path to enlightenment.

Statue of the Maitreya Buddha
A colossal Maitreya Buddha, cast in gleaming gold-gilded bronze, inspires awe. A serene smile graces his face as a multitude of children, sculpted as part of his being, transform him into a tableau of joyful chaos. Some, no bigger than his fingers, are forever frozen mid-climb up his massive hand. Others nestle in his lap, engrossed in an eternal game of Chinese chess. Though silent, the sculpture hums with the imagined laughter and playful energy of childhood. The Maitreya Buddha, the epitome of patience and love, stands as a symbol of enduring compassion, forever embracing the complexities of life.

Great Statue of the Buddha
The magnificent gold-leafed Buddha statue of Shakyamuni, standing at a towering 40.8 meters (133.8 ft) and facing westward, is the iconic symbol and landmark of the temple. Crafted from 98 tons of gleaming brass, its sheer size—with ears alone spanning an impressive 2.6 meters (8.5 ft)—makes it visible even from dozens of kilometers away. This statue, said to be the third-largest standing Shakyamuni Buddha in all of Asia, holds deep symbolic meaning in its unique pose. The right hand, raised in the “Abhaya mudra” (gesture of fearlessness), signifies protection and peace offered to all beings. The left hand, pointing towards the earth in the “Varada mudra” (gesture of generosity), represents compassion and the granting of wishes. Adorning the Buddha’s chest is the auspicious “wan” (万) character, representing eternal blessings. Every detail, from the serene expression to the graceful posture, exudes a sense of profound peace, wisdom, and boundless compassion, embodying the true essence of the Buddha’s teachings.

How to Get to Great Buddha Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 1, 508, 532, BRT6 to Hongguangshan Station.

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