The Grand Imperial Temple lies east of Kaifeng's urban center. Within its spacious courtyards, flowers and tre…
The Grand Imperial Temple lies east of Kaifeng's urban center. Within its spacious courtyards, flowers and trees thrive; beyond the central corridors, monk quarters stand in neat rows. The main hall towers solemnly, corridors stretch like outspread wings—their golden hues shine so brilliantly that clouds pale in comparison. Originally named Jianguo Temple, it's said to stand on the former residence of Lord Xinling of Wei. In the 6th year of the Tianbao Reign (555 CE) under Emperor Wenxuan of the Northern Qi Dynasty, it was converted into a temple. In the 1st year of the Yanhe Reign (712 CE) of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Ruizong, inspired by a prophetic dream, decreed Jianguo Temple renamed Xiangguo Temple and personally inscribed "Daxiangguo Temple" as its title. In the 1st year of the Yanhe Reign (712 CE) of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Ruizong, inspired by a prophetic dream, decreed Jianguo Temple renamed Xiangguo Temple and personally inscribed "Grand Imperial Temple" as its title. Through the ages, it has weathered countless wars and fires, yet fortunately, it still stands today in the heart of Kaifeng.