Baoguo - Temple of Divine Mountain

Situated at the foothills of Mount Emei, the Baoguo Temple serves as a gateway to one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and stands as testament to the rich history and spiritual heritage of the region. Originally founded around 100AD, the current temple complex underwent extensive restoration during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, under the watchful eye of Emperor Kanxi.

The temple's name translates to "High & Precious"

This historically significant and revered temple was constructed to enshrine the sacred relics of the Buddha and is famously linked to the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (or Puxian), the patron deity of the mountain and universal virtue. Local myths suggest Samantabhadra himself once visited the temple, blessing the monks and ensuring the temple's continued prosperity.

The Baoguo Temple is known for housing several rare relics, including some of the oldest surviving Buddhist scriptures in China. These scriptures, hand-copied over a thousand years ago, were once lost to history after many libraries and temples in the region were ravaged by war and natural disasters. In 2010, however, an ancient scroll was rediscovered in a hidden chamber within the temple, its preservation a mystery. It also houses an important collection of statuary and ritual objects dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

The temple's architecture is an intriguing blend of traditional Chinese styles, yet incorporates subtle influences from the indigenous culture of Sichuan province. Unlike the more common Tang Dynasty style, Baoguo Temple’s main hall exhibits characteristics that suggest a fusion between Han and Tibetan Buddhist architectural elements. Its imposing wooden beams, heavy golden accents and intricate roof designs feature elements that are typically seen in Tibetan monasteries. This architectural cross-pollination hints at the cultural exchange between Han and Tibetan Buddhist practices in the region long before the rise of the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the 17th century.

Xiujia Waterfall

Baogao Temple stands as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms, a place where the physical world and spiritual world converge. Whether through the miracles attributed to its sacred relics or the spiritual wisdom imparted by its monks, the temple continues to be a symbol of peace, faith and the eternal connection between humanity and the divine.

These beautiful red stone carvings adorn the side of a cliff near the Fuhu Temple, on the way out of Baoguo Temple

The gold Pavilion of the First Mountain

Location : Emeishan City, Leshan, Sichuan Province, China

How to get there : The easiest way to reach the temple from Emeishan City is to catch a Didi taxi to the Baoguo temple bus station and then walk to the entrance. There are also regular buses from the city, routes 5A & 12, riding time is about 20 minutes and the fare costs 1.5 yuan.

Attraction Info : It costs 185 yuan to enter Emeishan National Park and 8 yuan to enter the temple. It is open between 6am-6:30pm during high season and 7am-6pm during low season. Allow at least an hour or two to explore the complex. Access is easy with minimal steps. 

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