The Xiangguo Temple (Xiangguo si) has had one of the most turbulent histories in China, having been destroyed, rebuilt, sacked, renovated and commercialised beyond recognition. The temple is located in the western section of Ziyou Street (Freedom Street) in the city. Earlier in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420 - 589), the temple was built and called Xingjian Temple (Flourishing Establishment Temple), when Chinese Buddhism was at one of  its peaks in history. Since then, the temple has had its ups and downs. It was destroyed later during a war. In 711, a monk built a new one at the site and donated a three-meter-high Buddha statue. The emperor inscribed "Great Xiangguo Temple" on the plaque of the main hall, hence the name. The temple reached its splendor during the Tang and Song dynasties. It is a popular place where imperial families, Buddhist dignitaries and social celebrities gathered. Numerous activities including Buddhist ceremonies, festivities, ancestor worship were held in the temple.

During the Tang Dynasty, China established a friendly relationship with Persia (today's Iran), Dashi (Arab nations) and Japan. The temple developed its role as one of the main Buddhist centers in China. At that time, Persian merchants, trading groups and Japanese Buddhist monks and students traveled a long way to Chang'an to visit Xiangguo Temple.

But true greatness here was found during the beginning of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD): as Kaifeng became the capital, the temple was favored by the emperor and was expanded to a large scale with more buildings. It was during this time that the temple was home to over 1000 monks and 64 Buddhist colleges. It became the center of Buddhism and monks from India, Japan and Korea flock here to meet the Chinese emperor.

Destroyed by a Yellow River flood at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was reconstructed again at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty.

Nowadays the temple resembles the rebuilding that was made during the Qing Dynasty, 1976, although restoration has taken place many times since then. The temple has also been affected by modern commercialism, and the entertainments center in the front courtyard is the worst of this. After 1949, it was restored by the Chinese government. Now the place has become a major tourist attraction because of its intact temple buildings and Buddha statues.

Like most of the Buddhist temples in China, the main axis consists of an arch gate, Devajara Hall (Hall of Heavenly Kings), Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian), an octagonal glazed hall (Arhat Hall) and the Sutra-Keeping Hall. Side rooms flank the axis on each side. The whole complex features Qing-style architecture.

A wooden statue of a Bodhisattva carved out of a gingko trunk and found in the Arhat Hall is most impressive. The Bodhisattva has 1048 hands and on each hand is a small sacred eye. A group carving of five hundred Arhats is also attractive.

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