Hongfa Temple
The first Buddhist Temple constructed after the creation of P.R. China, the Hongfa Temple in Shenzhen is also the city’s most famous one known for its serene mountain setting, Chan Buddhist heritage, and beautiful traditional architecture.
- City
- Shenzhen
- Address
- Hongfa Temple, inside Fairy Lake Botanical Garden N° 160 Xianhu Road, Liantang, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Cost
- Free for the temple → inside the Fairy Lake area → 15 RMB
- Official website
- https://www.hongfasi.net/
The largest Buddhist temple in Shenzhen, Hongfa Temple is to the east of Fairy Lake and on the middle level of Wutong Mountain.
History
The site was originally a small and nearly ruined temple. Construction and restoration began on Hongfa Temple on 1 July 1985 on purpose of Chan master Benhuan, making it the first temple built after the founding of P.R. China in 1949. Hongfa Temple has been open to the public since 1990. It has gradually become the largest and most prosperous local Buddhist temple and still the most famous Buddhist temple in Shenzhen and one of the city’s most important spiritual landmarks.
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#### Photography of Master Benhuan, founder of the Hongfa Temple
The temple belongs to the Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition, specifically the Linji school, and is known for its serene atmosphere, grand ceremonial halls, and active religious life. Every year, especially during Lunar New Year and important Buddhist festivals, thousands of worshippers come to burn incense, pray, and participate in rituals.
Architecture and Localization
Hongfa Temple follows the classical layout of traditional Chinese Buddhist monasteries, organized across multiple ascending terraces. As visitors climb upward through the complex, they encounter a sequence of sacred spaces including the Shanmen Gate, the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, the majestic Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Hall, bell and drum towers, and the scripture repository.
One of the temple’s most appealing qualities is its natural setting. Surrounded by dense greenery, lotus ponds, and mountain scenery, Hongfa Temple feels surprisingly peaceful despite being located in one of China’s fastest-growing megacities. The walk from the botanical garden entrance to the temple itself is part of the experience, combining nature and spirituality in a way that reflects traditional Chinese landscape philosophy.
Today, Hongfa Temple remains a must-visit destination for travelers interested in Buddhism or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life.
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#### Photo credit: Hongfa Temple / Shenzhen Buddhist Association
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