Baoguang Temple

Baoguang (Precious Light) Temple, located in Xindu County, is 18 kilometers (11 miles) away from Chengdu City. It not only is one of the oldest temples in Sichuan Province, but also is one of the four most renowned Buddhist temples in South China.
Baoguang Temple was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220) and was destroyed in the Ming Dynasty, but rebuilt in 1670 during the Qing Dynasty into a complex of one pagoda, five halls and sixteen courtyards. Except for the pagoda, the buildings are all of the Qing Dynasty. The temple was well preserved during the 20th-century Cultural Revolution.
Cangjinglou Hall is recognized as the biggest and one of the most outstanding halls of Baoguamg Temple. Many kinds of Buddhism lections were collected here.
Arhat Hall, another attraction of Baoguang Temple, covers an area of 1,600 square meters (17,223 square feet). The hall houses 577 kinds of sculptures built over the course of 9 years by the famous engraver of Sichuan Province, Li Guangxiu, and his disciples. Each statue in Arhat Hall has a unique posture and expression. These sculptures, not found anywhere else in China, have become great treasures of Baoguang Temple.
In addition to the historic relics and sculptures, there are many State treasures including 'Running Horses', drawn by Xu Beihong and a famous Chinese artist. Other cultural relics preserved in the temple include Shelizi (Buddhist relics), bronze Ding (an ancient cooking vessel), and precious paintings by well-known artists.