Temple of Five Immortals

An ancient temple with legendary origins dating back to the Jin Dynasty, commemorating the five celestial beings who brought rice cultivation to Guangzhou

Temple of Five Immortals

Key Information

Built Year

Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD)

Architectural Style

Traditional Lingnan

Main Deities

Five Immortals and Five Rams

Cultural Significance

Symbol of Guangzhou's Origin

Best Time to Visit

Morning Hours

Nearby Attractions

Chen Clan Academy, Yuexiu Park

The Temple of Five Immortals stands as one of Guangzhou's most significant historical and cultural landmarks, with a history spanning over 1,600 years. According to legend, during a severe famine in the Jin Dynasty, five celestial beings descended from heaven riding five rams, each carrying a stalk of rice in their mouths. They blessed the land with abundant harvests and taught the local people rice cultivation techniques, transforming Guangzhou into a prosperous agricultural region. The temple complex features traditional Lingnan architectural style with elegant curved roofs, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful courtyard gardens. The main hall houses statues of the five immortals and their legendary rams, while the surrounding area includes ancient stone tablets, ceremonial halls, and peaceful meditation spaces. This sacred site not only represents Guangzhou's spiritual heritage but also symbolizes the city's transformation from a humble fishing village to the prosperous metropolis known as the 'City of Rams'.

Things to Do

  • Admire the exquisite statues of the five immortals and their rams in the main hall
  • Explore the traditional Lingnan architecture with its distinctive curved roofs
  • Visit the ancient stone tablets that record the temple's history
  • Experience the peaceful atmosphere in the temple courtyards
  • Learn about the legendary story of how rice cultivation came to Guangzhou
  • Photograph the beautiful traditional architectural details
  • Participate in traditional incense burning rituals
  • Enjoy the tranquil garden spaces surrounding the temple