In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site (Anyuan Road) in 1918. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple.
The construction of the temple is in the magnificent architectural style of the Song Dynasty. The temple is composed of several compounds such as the Halls of Heavenly Kings, the Main Hall, the Hall of the Recumbent Buddha and the Hall of the Jade Buddha.
 

The temple has two jade statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, one seated and one reclining, brought from Myanmar. The Seated Buddha is 1.9 meters tall (carved out of a single piece of white jade), wearing a robe inlaid with precious jewels, portraying the Buddha at the moment of his meditation and enlightenment. The Recumbent Buddha is 96 centimeters long, lying on the right side with the right hand supporting the head and the left hand placing on the left leg, this shape is called the "lucky repose". The temple also houses a number of ancient sculptures, rare paintings and Buddhist scriptures.

Incense is an essential part of this style of Buddhism. The faithful burn it as offerings to their ancestors and wave it to bring favor from the Buddhist pantheon of gods. You do not have to bring incense with you. Outside in the main courtyard tourists attempted to throw coins into a tall bronze vessel covered with elaborate markings. Having your coins land inside the bronze apparently brings you good fortune.
Although the history of the Jade Buddha Temple is not very long, the old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern and flourishing city. The temple is a good place to go whether you are a Buddhist or not, the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere adds a kind of richness to our busy modern society.