The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees sits on Liurong Road in Yuexiu District, a working Buddhist temple whose grounds are dominated by the Flower Pagoda, a nine-story, seventeen-level octagonal tower first built in 537 CE and rebuilt in its current form in 1097 during the Song dynasty. The temple takes its popular name from six banyan trees once described by the celebrated Song-dynasty poet and official Su Shi during a visit, and although those original trees no longer stand, the name has remained attached to the site for nearly a thousand years. Visitors enter through the main gate hall, pass incense burners and prayer halls housing large bronze and gilded Buddha statues, and can climb the narrow interior staircase of the Flower Pagoda for views over the surrounding rooftops of Liwan and Yuexiu districts. A visit covering the temple halls alone takes about forty-five minutes, extending to an hour and a half for those climbing the pagoda's full height. The clearest photo vantage point is the courtyard directly facing the pagoda's colorful, tiered exterior, while the pagoda's upper levels offer a rare elevated view over the old city's low-rise rooftops. The temple is a quieter, more contemplative site than many of Guangzhou's larger attractions, with a slow, steady flow of local worshippers rather than heavy tourist crowds, making almost any time of day workable, though weekday mornings offer the calmest atmosphere for photography.
| Admission | Adult Temple grounds ¥5 (approx $0.70); Flower Pagoda climb an additional ¥10 (approx $1.41) · Child Discounted for students with valid ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for a quieter walk through the temple courtyards |
| Getting there | Yuexiu District; Metro Line 1 or 8 to Ximenkou Station, Exit D |
| Address | 87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510180, China |
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Location
87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510180, China
23.1301, 113.2611 View on map
Highlights
- Flower Pagoda, a nine-story, seventeen-level octagonal tower dating to 1097
- Prayer halls with large bronze and gilded Buddha statues
- Nearly a millennium of continuous history tied to a visit by poet Su Shi
- Rooftop views over the old city from the pagoda's upper levels
- Active working Buddhist temple with a steady flow of local worshippers
Tips for visiting
- Climb the Flower Pagoda's narrow interior staircase for elevated views over the old city rooftops
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest, most contemplative atmosphere
- Bring small change, as the pagoda climb requires a separate ticket from general temple admission
- Dress modestly out of respect, as it remains an active place of worship
- Combine with nearby Guangxiao Temple, a short walk away, for a temple-focused half day
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the calmest, most contemplative visit before local worshippers and visitors increase through the day.
Accessibility
The main courtyards are flat and accessible, but the Flower Pagoda's interior staircase is narrow and steep, making it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees take?
A visit to the temple halls alone takes about forty-five minutes, extending to roughly an hour and a half if climbing the Flower Pagoda.
Is the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees worth visiting with children?
It can be, particularly for children interested in climbing the pagoda's staircase, though the narrow stairs may be difficult for very young children.
Is photography allowed at the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees?
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the courtyards, though flash photography and photography directly in front of certain Buddha statues may be restricted.