GUIDE OF VISIT
Gude Temple, situated in Jiang'an District, Wuhan, is a distinctive Buddhist temple celebrated for its architectural synthesis of European and Asian elements. Founded in 1877 as "Gude Maopeng," it was expanded and renamed between 1914 and 1919, embodying the motto "Virtue through Ancient Devotion" . Recognized as one of Wuhan's four major Buddhist temples, it uniquely harmonizes Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, making it an exceptional site in Han Chinese Buddhist culture.
Gude Temple
Historical Background:
Established during the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu era, the temple underwent significant renovations under Abbot Changhong. Its name plaque was inscribed by Li Yuanhong, a prominent political figure post-1911 Revolution, highlighting its historical significance . Designated a National Key Cultural Relic in 2013, the temple spans 30,000 square meters, reflecting Wuhan's religious and architectural diversity .
Architectural Features:
The 圆通宝殿 (Yuantong Hall), the temple's centerpiece, merges Gothic尖顶 (spires), Roman回廊 (colonnades), and Islamic圆顶 (domes). Its roof features nine pagodas symbolizing Buddhist deities, surrounded by intricate lotus carvings and guardian statues . This fusion of styles—including Christian-inspired stained glass and Southeast Asian reliefs—renders it a global architectural marvel .
Religious and Cultural Integration:
The temple houses a四面佛 (Four-Faced Buddha) from Thailand, representing慈悲 (compassion), 仁爱 (benevolence), 博爱 (universal love), and公正 (justice) . It uniquely accommodates three Buddhist schools, serving as a spiritual hub for diverse practices .
Visitor Information:
Open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM with free admission (incense purchase optional, 8–38 RMB) . Accessible via multiple公交线路 (bus routes) and地铁 (subway), it remains a must-visit for its cultural and historical richness.
