Temples are an important part of China's Buddhist heritage and culture. If you want to experience or study the Chinese culture, then you might need to know these top 5 must-visit temples in China:
-Shaolin Temple
The 1500 years old and registered as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage ,Shaolin Temple, is well known for Zen Buddhism. Shaolin, is also a bucket list destination for anyone practicing a martial art. You’ll be treated to a yard full of kung fu newbies breaking boards and tumbling for the crowds.
The temple has many beautiful buildings, like Daxiong Hall, Arhat Hall, West Facing Hall, Forest of Steles, Chuzu Temple, Tripitaka Sutra Pavilion, Dodhidharma Cave etc.
-The Temple of Heaven
The structure dates back to the 1420, and has been listed as World Cultural Heritage. The Temple of Heaven is characterised by square buildings with round roofs, and it represents is the oldest holy temple in Beijing and the only surviving Ming Tang building.
-Nanshan Temple
Nanshan Temple is the largest Buddhist holy site built in China since the founding of the P.R.C. It looks amazing against the background of the sea and mountains, and it is regarded as an auspicious place for the Buddhism.
The buildings of the temple nicely reveal features of Chinese ancient architecture, and named after a popular Buddhist quote — “Good fortune is much as the East Sea; longevity is high as Nanshan”.
-White Horse Temple (Baimasi)
Tradition states that White Horse Temple was the first Buddhist Temple built in China. It has several different halls: Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of Great Buddha, Hall of Guidance, Hall of Mahavira, and Cool and Clear Terrace. The White Horse Temple is located 12 km away from the east of Luoyang City.
-Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si)
Hanging Temple is a temple built into a cliff 75m above the ground near Mount Heng. It is on the list of the “World’s Top 10 Most Dangerous Architectures”. Hanging Temple is notable as the only exiting temple with combination of China’s three traditional religions – Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism .Tourists can walk upwards along the steep stone pathway to visit some 40 exquisite and unique halls in the temple.
