10 Most Amazing Temples in China, it boasts one of the most ancient cultures in the world, and its vast empire is adorned with numerous Buddhist Temples. As you cross the threshold of these temples in China, you enter a realm where the concept of time becomes irrelevant. The practice of Buddhism has remained unchanged in these sacred spaces since their meticulous construction. This harmony is befitting as Buddhists embrace the notion that time has no boundaries, extending infinitely into both the past and the future. Immerse yourself in the tranquil zen gardens of China, and embark on a journey through centuries of captivating history.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, constructed in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, is an impressive seven-story structure located in southern Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous renovations, originally standing at a height of five stories. One of its primary functions was to serve as a repository for the sutras, statues, and Buddha figurines brought back from India by the renowned Buddhist traveler Xuanzang. Although the temple’s interior now exudes simplicity, it is still a remarkable sight to behold amidst the modern surroundings. Additionally, a nearby open-air mall to the south offers a delightful opportunity for exploration.
Longmen Cave Temples
In Henan province, there are an astonishing 2,300 caves meticulously carved into limestone cliffs, stretching for nearly a mile. These caves are home to some of the most exquisite examples of Chinese art from the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). To reach the higher caves on the cliff side, a combination of metal and limestone stairs is available, allowing visitors to marvel at the 110,000 statues, 60 stupas, and 2,800 inscriptions.
The statues and Buddhas are skillfully carved directly from the limestone that forms the hillside, creating an intricate relief that can be physically explored. Situated on the banks of the Yi River, this remarkable cliff remains remarkably well-preserved.
Lama Temple
Located right in the center of Beijing, amidst the Buddhist landscape, lies the magnificent Lama Temple. Originally the residence of Emperor Yong Zheng, this temple was transformed into a lamasery in 1744. If you have the opportunity to visit only one temple in China, the Lama Temple should be your top choice.
Renowned as the most famous Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet, it has earned this reputation for good reason. Situated in the heart of one of China’s largest cities, the Lama Temple showcases awe-inspiring frescoes, a towering 18-meter (60-foot) Buddha in the Tibetan style, intricate tantric sculptures, exquisite archways, skillfully crafted carpentry, and intricately adorned roofs. Divided into five grand halls, the temple’s splendor is so captivating that one could easily spend days marveling at its beauty.
Shaolin Temple
The Shaolin Temple serves as the primary place of worship for the ancient Shaolin School of Buddhism, which has a history spanning 1,500 years. Throughout the centuries, both the temple and school have faced numerous attacks, with the most recent occurring in 1928 when the school was deliberately set on fire. In order to cater to tourists, the surviving halls have undergone modernization.
Consequently, the halls of this once sacred temple are now filled daily with waves of selfie-seeking travelers. Shaolin, renowned for its kung fu practice, is a must-visit destination for martial arts enthusiasts. The Wu Shu training center is particularly captivating, as it offers a spectacle of novice kung fu practitioners breaking boards and performing acrobatic maneuvers to entertain the crowds.
Jokhang
Buddhist pilgrims can be seen prostrating themselves outside the ancient Jokhang Temple in the heart of Tibet as you pass by. They come to pay their respects to the 1,300-year-old central golden Buddha statue, which is considered the most revered Buddha image in the world. The Gelug School is responsible for maintaining the temple, but they welcome Buddhists from all different sects to worship here.
The two-story temple boasts a stunning gold roof and a visually captivating maroon and gold interior. It is best to visit in the mornings when the temple is open and bustling with pilgrims who are enjoying yak butter. However, in the afternoons, a section of the temple is closed off and can only be seen through grates.
Hanging Monastery
The Hanging Monastery, situated 75 meters (246 feet) above the ground, is aptly named due to its unique location. Elaborate Buddhist prayer houses are intricately supported by sturdy stilts embedded into the cliffside. These houses of worship are connected by narrow bridges and corridors, although limited access is now enforced.
The continuous influx of visitors has gradually weakened the foundations of the buildings, prompting concerns for safety. Consequently, the Hanging Monastery will soon cease to welcome visitors. Remarkably, Hengshan, constructed in 491, has endured for centuries, showcasing its architectural marvel. However, if you find yourself unable to visit, rest assured that the temple itself is relatively ordinary. It is the awe-inspiring sight of these precarious structures carved into the cliffside that truly leaves a lasting impression.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, the most renowned temple in China, is not actually a temple but an altar. Here, you won’t come across monks, worshippers, or the scent of incense. However, what you will discover is breathtaking architecture nestled in the heart of Beijing. This enclosed garden boasts entrances on all four cardinal points and is meticulously maintained with straight-line sections, eradicating any imperfections of nature. Rising magnificently above the garden grounds, the temple halls exhibit a circular design, while their foundations are square, symbolizing the ancient belief that heaven is round and the earth is square.
The focal point of the park is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an exquisite structure adorned with a triple-eaved purplish-blue umbrella roof, perched upon a three-tiered marble terrace. Visitors are also captivated by the echo walls, where a mere whisper can be heard from one end to the other. This entire Confucian complex was constructed for an emperor referred to as the “Son of Heaven,” who utilized the altar to offer prayers for the prosperity of his people.
Lingyin Temple
To access Lingyin Temple, one must first pass through the formal Hall of the Heavenly Kings. For centuries, Chan Buddhism has found its abode in the Wuling Mountains. The breathtaking mountainous region surrounding the temple is just as captivating as the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat itself. To explore the Lingyin-Feilai Feng Scenic Area, which is adorned with bridges, monuments, statues, grottoes, artwork, and pavilions, an admission fee is required. This temple is among the largest and most prosperous in all of China.
The opulent and intricately designed grottoes scattered throughout the monastery’s grounds serve as a testament to its wealth. Within the vast temple complex, you will find the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, Hall of the Medicine Buddha, Sutra Library, Huayan Hall, and the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats.
Nanshan Temple
Nanshan Temple, the largest Buddhist holy site constructed in China since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, showcases a magnificent 100-meter (350-foot) gleaming white statue situated on a rocky outcrop in the South Sea of Sanya. The entire temple complex revolves around this remarkable statue, with its main entrance plaza adorned by intricate white spires that extend towards the statue through a spacious walkway.
On one side of the walkway lies a serene pond, while a cluster of woods on the other side directs your gaze towards the awe-inspiring three-sided statue. This temple in South China derives its name from a well-known Buddhist proverb – “Good fortune is as vast as the East Sea; longevity is as high as Nanshan.”
White Horse Temple is one of the 10 Most Amazing Temples in China
White Horse Temple, believed to be the first Buddhist Temple constructed in China, holds a significant place in tradition. Erected in 68 AD, this ancient temple is situated just beyond the boundaries of the former Eastern Han capital. For Western tourists, exploring this temple is a convenient experience as all signage is available in both Mandarin and English.
Over the years, the main temple has undergone several renovations, notably during the Ming and Qing dynasties, in the 1950s, and most recently in 1973 following the Cultural Revolution. Within the temple grounds, numerous halls unveil meticulously maintained gardens and galleries, showcasing the temple’s exquisite beauty. Noteworthy attractions include the magnificent statues such as the two mythical lions adorning the entrance, the revered Jade Buddha, and the world-renowned Śākyamuni and Maitreya Buddhas.
