Guiyuan (Chan) Si (Guiyuan Buddhist Temple)
Best known for its hall of 500 gildedluohan(enlightened disciples), each in a different posture and having distinct features, this temple was founded in the mid-17th century by the monk Bai Guang. The present buildings date from the late Qing dynasty to the beginning of the Republican era (1911-49), but theluohanwere sculpted between 1822 and 1831. Men proceed to the left and women to the right, counting oneluohanuntil the number equals their age. They note the number that designates that statue and, on their way out, for ¥3 (35¢) they buy the corresponding "luohancard," which tells their fortune. In the sutra library at the far end of the complex is a pretty jade Buddha with Indian influence that dates from the Northern Wei dynasty (4th-5th c.).
| Hours | 8am-4:30pm | ||
| Location | Cuiwei Heng Lu no. 20 | ||
| Transportation | Bus: no. 401 is the only bus that can enter the narrow Cuiwei Heng Lu, but bus nos. 6 and 528 run along Yingwu Da Dao, which intersects Cuiwei Heng Lu. From this intersection, it's a short walk to Guiyuan | ||
| Phone | 027/8243-5212 | ||
| Prices | Admission ¥10 ($1.25) | ||
