Gude Temple

Built in 1877, “the most extraordinary temple of Chinese Buddhism” — Burmese Ananda style (Gothic pointed arches + Romanesque colonnades + Islamic domes in one mix, unique in China); nine spires cluster atop the Yuantong Hall. Founded in 1877, Gude Temple stands unrivaled among Chinese Buddhist temples for the “hybrid” architecture of its Yuantong Hall: the hall is based on the Burmese Ananda (Pallava) style, blended with Gothic pointed-arch windows, Romanesque colonnade arches and Islamic dome elements, with nine spires clustered at the top — unique among Chinese Buddhist temples, hence its title as “the most extraordinary temple of Chinese Buddhism”. The temple was founded through the vows of Wuhan lay Buddhists, was hugely popular during the Republican era, and Buddhist rites were held here during the War of Resistance for soldiers who died defending Wuhan; hidden deep in bustling city lanes, it was briefly occupied by a factory in the 1970s and restored around the turn of the century after appeals by heritage workers. Entry is free with only a CNY 8 incense voucher, and white pigeons in front of the hall framed against the exotic domes make an instant photo masterpiece — Wuhan's most famous off-the-beaten-track sight.

Getting there: Bus or taxi (Huangpu Road)