Religions in Guilin

Over the ages, many religions have entered Guilin and at present, there are five main religions, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity. Each religion has added its own mark to the cultural history of Guilin.

Religious and cultural resources in Guilin are both abundant and famous. According to the surveys, Guilin has 64 Buddhist temples, 15 Muslim temples, 4 Catholic Churches and 7 Christ Churches. Besides, the number of Cliffside Inscriptions and statue reaches 2000.

In the five main religions of Guilin, Buddhism and Taoism have the longest history. Guangxi is one of the earliest regions to the introduction of Buddhism. Around the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 9 AD), Buddhism was introduced in Guangxi, and unprecedented prosperity in Guilin in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), becoming one of the centers of Buddhism in south China.

Islam was introduced to Guilin in the Sothern Song (1127-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties and built up the earliest mosque. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), with the number of Muslims rising, the activity of Muslim promoted. The time of introduction of Catholicism to Guilin was dates back to the Ming Dynasty. In Emperor Guangxu's reign during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Catholic priests began to missionize among the people in Guilin. And the next year the Catholic priests built up the Roman Catholic Cathedral at Zhengyang Road. Christianity was introduced to Guilin by American priests in 1898, during the reign period of Emperor Guangxu of Qing. And they built up the first Christian and Missionary Alliance of Gospel Church.

After thousands of years ‘development, religious culture have been built in Guilin to prosper traditional and modern, Chinese and foreign cultural activities. Below are main Buddhist temples, Muslim temples, Christian church, Catholic Churches and Islamic mosque:

◎Guilin Nengren Temple

Tel: 0773-2822577

Address: Lijun Lu, Guilin

This temple is known for its Big Buddha Palace and Kwan-yin Hall. It is s a non-traditional temple in that it is served by nine nuns who are responsible for all the temples’ Buddhist rites and the preparation of traditional vegetarian meals.

◎Guilin Christian Church

Mass Time: 19:30 on Saturday, 12:30 on Sunday

Address: No.456, Zhongshan Raod (Middle), Guilin City

◎Guilin Islamic Mosque

Address: No.28, Minzu Raod, Guilin City

◎Guilin Maping Mosque

Tel: 0773-5827347

Address:1 Qixing Lu, Huaqiao Jie, Qingxing District, Guilin

This Mosque was first established during the Qing Dynasty in the tenth year of Kangxi. The original quadrilateral structure has been expanded, and today it can hold up to 500 worshipers.

◎Guilin Chongshan Mosque

Tel: 0773-2858486

Address: 11 Chongshan Lu, Xiangshan District, Guilin

Located in Xiamen, Guilin, this Mosque was built in 1735 during the Qing Dynasty and underwent extensive renovations during the Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Republican periods.


Recommended China Tour Packages

Ask Question

Share to