Sitting in Changchun, Jilin Province, the Banruo Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in this municipal city, is close to the People Square and easy to find. The Temple was initially built in 1920s which was rebuilt in the northeast corner of the People Square, covering an area of 7,200 square meters. It enjoys high reputation among pilgrims from home and abroad.
The gateway of the temple is consisted of 3 paratactic arches. Dense trees and erected halls are scattered in the temple. Stepping into the temple, you will see Mile Hall (Tianwang Hall), Main Hall and Western Three Saints Hall one after another.
There are bell-tower and drum-tower on both sides of Tianwang Hall separately; the statue of Mile Buddha is in the hall and the statues of Four Tianwang who stamped on 8 strange beasts are situated vividly on both sides of the hall; the statue of safeguard-Weiuo Bodhisattva is erected on the back of the hall.
Behind Tianwang hall, Main hall is the center of the temple and the largest building in the temple. The outside of the Main Hall is stately, grand, resplendent and magnificent. The statue of Sakyamuni is sacrificed in the hall, eighteen arhats stand on both sides, and colored paintings are on four walls.
There are two attached halls on the both sides of the back of the Main Hall: the eastern one is for Kwan-yin and the western one is for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. When walking around, you will see a sutra depository where there are plenty of Buddhist classical books. There are tens of wing-rooms in the ancient temple to use as places for cultivating oneself according to a religious doctrine, eating, living, etc.
The Banruo Temple attracts tens of thousands of tourists and visitor every year. The temple would be filled with people especially during the temple fairs. Therefore, if you are interested in Chinese Buddhist culture and want to have a look at the temple built during the Republic of China, the Banruo Temple should never be missed.