Temples Of China Not To Be Missed
China, known for having one of the most interesting ancient cultures in East Asia, hides small and great wonders. Therefore, we want to show you some of the temples in China that you should not miss on a visit to the country. They are one of the best testimonies of his past, as well as a perfect sample of the various religious influences.
In this selection we will know some of the temples dedicated to oriental religions as varied as Buddhism, Confucianism or Taoism. In fact, it is also possible to find temples where several of these religions converge.
1. Beijing Temple of Heaven: one of the most beautiful temples in China
Without a doubt, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the capital of China. This gem of traditional architecture is centuries old. It was ordered to be built by the Yongle Emperor, who also ordered the construction of the famous Forbidden City in the 15th century.
This is located within a complex of almost 300 hectares, where it stands out for its dome and rounded structure. The Temple of Heaven was meant to be a must-see during the emperor’s pilgrimage route. In it, the sovereign prayed and offered sacrifices to favor and ensure the good state of the crops during the next year.
2. The Hanging Temple of Xuankong, Datong
This temple is one of the most peculiar in the world. It is built on a cliff about 75 meters above the ground. This work of traditional architecture has been put to the test over the years, standing up despite its location and inclement weather.
Another of its peculiarities is that it is the only one of its kind where the three most prominent religions of China converge. Here we can see architectural details and references to religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
3. Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou
Hangzhou was the ancient capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, hence it is home to some of the most important buildings of the time. Among them, this temple surrounded by hills and a beautiful lake stands out. This Buddhist temple designed for spiritual retreat has been rebuilt several times.
In the same way, in addition to its exquisite architecture, the Lingyin temple is visited to see and walk through the Feilai Feng caves. This network of green caves are perfectly preserved and contain sculptures carved in the rock that are more than a thousand years old.
4. The Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Located in the city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, it is considered the most sacred temple in Tibet. Pilgrims and tourists come from all over the world to get lost in its rooms and contemplate its bucolic landscape.
During the visit, you will be able to see some of the Buddhist statues brought as a dowry for the women of the former monarch and enjoy their unique combination of design. Here you can see, especially those who are passionate about art, a harmonious fusion between the traditional Tibetan style with other artistic trends such as those of Nepal or India.
5. The Shaolin Temple, Luoyang
One of the must-see destinations for martial arts fans is Luoyang Shaolin Temple, famous for being the birthplace of kung fu. This temple school is one of the main centers of practice of Shaolin Buddhism, founded hundreds of years ago.
The temple also offers the opportunity to stroll through the well-known Forest of Pagodas, included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will find a collection of more than 200 stone and brick pagodas where many of the great masters of martial arts rest.
6. Temples of China: Confucius Temple, Qufu
If what you are looking for is to better know the figure of Confucius, we should not miss the opportunity to visit his temple. Here we can get to know his legacy first-hand. Located in his hometown of Qufu, in the eastern province of Shandong, it has been a key point of pilgrimage and visitation for many emperors for centuries.
It is one of the largest temples in China. It consists of nothing more and nothing less than almost 500 rooms spread over an area of 16,000 m². It is an essential visit of any trip to China.
