Great Xiangguo Temple [Kaifeng]

Located at the center of Kaifeng City, it is one of renowned Buddhist Monastery in China firstly constructed in 555 AD during the period of Northern Qi Dynasty. It was firstly named Jianguo Monastery, in 712 AD, it was given the name the Great Xiangguo Temple by the Emperor Reizong in memory of his ascending to the throne of emperor from the former position of King Xiang. During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was deeply worshipped and respected by the royal family enlarging for several times, it once occupied an area as large as 500 mu of land, with 64 meditation yards, law yards under its administration, with more than 1,000 monks, being the biggest monastery in the capital city and the center of national Buddhist activities. Later, it was destroyed by floods and wars, and restored in the 10th year (1671 AD) under the reign of Emperor Kangxi in Qing Dynasty. At present, the existing construction includes the Hall of Celestial King, the Hall of Great Marhavira, the Hall of Buddhism Inscriptions, Goddess of Mercy with thousand hands and eyes, etc. In August, 1992, the Buddhist activities were restored, the drum and bell towers were rebuilt. The layout of entire monastery is closely and properly arranged with a magnificent look.