Wuhan's Super Photogenic Hidden Gem
Gutian Temple
🕙Opening Hours:
Summer: 8:00 am–4:50 pm, last entry at 4:30 pm; Winter: 8:30 am–4:30 pm, last entry at 4:00 pm.
Ticket Information: CNY 13 per person, only available for purchase on-site.
📍Address: No. 74 Gongnongbing Road, Jiang'an District, Wuhan.
🚉Transportation:
Subway: Take Line 8 to Zhaojiatiao Station, then walk; or take Line 1 to Toudao Street Station, then walk; or take Line 3 to Luojiazhuang Station, then walk.
Bus: Take Bus 552 or 545 to Huangpu Avenue Gongnongbing Road Station, then walk; or take Bus 30, Electric Bus 3, or Electric Bus 2 to Gongnongbing Road Guobin Hotel Station, then walk.
🗓Itinerary:
Tour Route
• Hall of Heavenly Kings: The first thing you see when you enter Gutian Temple is the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which houses Maitreya Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings. Here, you can experience the solemn atmosphere of the temple.
• Mahavira Hall: Behind the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the Mahavira Hall, which is modeled after Ananda Temple. It features nine pagodas symbolizing the Nine Dragons Worshiping the Saint, 96 nine-lotus flower pedestals, 24 Bodhisattvas, and more. The architecture is unique and cleverly designed.
• Guanyin Hall: Located on one side of the Mahavira Hall, this hall houses the Guanyin Bodhisattva. The architectural style of Guanyin Hall complements that of the Mahavira Hall, and its interior is beautifully decorated.
• Sutra Library: The Sutra Library is one of the important buildings of Gutian Temple, housing a large collection of Buddhist scriptures and artifacts, showcasing the temple's rich cultural heritage.
🌟Photography Tips
Straight ahead from the entrance: At the bench diagonally in front of the main building, take a low-angle shot to capture both people and the building, with the building in focus and people blurred, avoiding crowds.
Left of the entrance: By the lotus pond, you can capture the main building, lotus flowers, and people in one shot, creating a harmonious image.
Second-floor spots: There are several good spots by the railing, but they can be crowded, so you may need to queue.
Corridor next to the main building: The high architectural space is perfect for atmospheric shots, with fewer people around. Sit on the ground next to it, take a shot from a diagonal angle below, and the result will be more natural.
• Central Square of the Main Hall: Facing the square, take a back shot with people blurred and the scenery in focus, creating a poetic image.
📝Tips:
Temples are religious sites, so please keep quiet, respect religious beliefs and temple rules, and do not touch statues or artifacts.
Dress appropriately, avoiding overly revealing or eccentric clothing.
In summer, take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures; in winter, keep warm.