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.