The original temple dates back to the Xingning period (363–365) of the Jin dynasty (266–420), founded by monk Tanyou (昙猷).[2]
Tang dynasty
In the Tang dynasty (618–907), its name was changed into "Fangguang Shengshou Temple" (方广圣寿寺).[2]
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms
During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960), Qian Chu (929–988), the King of Wuyue (907–978), added the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats to the temple. Since then, Fangguang Temple became the Bodhimanda of Five Hundred Arhats.[2]
Song dynasty
In the early Song dynasty (960–1279), the emperor inscribed and honored the name "Fangguang Chongchan Temple" (方广崇禅寺). In 1101, in the reign of Emperor Huizong (1101–1125), the temple reduced to ashes by a devastating fire. In 1198, almost a century later, Fangguang Temple was restored and redecorated.[2]
Ming dynasty
In 1604, in the late Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Ge Yipeng (葛一鹏) supervised the reconstruction of Fangguang Temple. 30 years later, Wang Fuzhi and Xia Rubi (夏汝弼) raised funds to renovate the temple. Renovations and rebuilding to the main building began in 1634 and were completed in 1636.
During the ten-year Cultural Revolution, a disastrous fire consumed Fangguang Temple.
A modern restoration of the entire temple complex was carried out in 1980, after the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
