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As the largest country in Asia, China is truly a gorgeous place to visit. From mountains to rivers and lush greenery to skyscrapers, there’s nothing that China doesn’t have. However, if you are looking for a unique experience, you should explore the religious sites in the country. The temples in China showcase a different side of the country that tells you a lot about their culture, history, and religious beliefs. If you plan on taking a spiritual trip to China, make sure to include the most famous temples in your itinerary.
Top 10 Temples In China
The temples in China are not just famous for their religious significance, but also their stunning architectural work.
1. Temple Of Heaven
Your list of famous temples in China is incomplete without the Temple of Heaven. Located in Beijing, this temple is a stunning architectural masterpiece that was constructed by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century. It is one of those temples that represents the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. People from all across the world visit the temple to marvel at the beautiful architecture. The temple complex features circular structures and tiled roofs and the beauty of the place is further enhanced by the lush gardens and pine trees that surround the temple. For those who don’t know, the Temple of Heaven is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng, China
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
2. Jokhang Temple
Photo: Antoine Taveneaux / Wikimedia Commons
If you have plans to visit Lhasa, you should make the time to check out Jokhang Temple. This is another UNESCO Heritage Site that draws thousands of tourists every year. As per records, the temple is 1,300 years old and was constructed by King Songtsen Gampo. Once you enter the temple, you will see the statue of the Buddha, which is believed to have been blessed by the Buddha himself. As far as the architecture is concerned, the temple features a beautiful blend of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Chinese elements. Besides the Buddha statue, you have several ancient murals and relics to explore.
Location: Cheng Guan Qu, La Sa Shi, Xi Zang Zi Zhi Qu, China
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. White Horse Temple
Among the list of popular temples in China, White Horse Temple is known for its rich history and significance. The temple was built in 68 AD during the Han Dynasty. According to legend, two monks brought Buddhist scriptures to China on a white horse, which inspired Emperor Ming to name the temple. While you are at the temple, make sure to explore the beautiful halls and the ancient relics. Once you are done checking the interior of the temple, you can step out into the garden to enjoy a serene environment. Although the temple has been renovated many times, it retains its historical significance.
Location: 6 Luobai Rd, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan, China
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
4. Shaolin Temple
Photo: zoo monkey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shaolin Temple is hands down the most popular temple in China. You must have seen pictures of this temple everywhere from movies to magazines. Located in Henan, the temple is almost 1500 years old and is the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu. There are quite a few attractions in the temple, including the Hall of Thousand Buddhas, the Pagoda Forest, and the Martial Arts Training Ground. Additionally, you get to enjoy the lovely view of the surrounding mountains. For the best experience, you should visit Shaolin Temple early in the morning. This will give you enough time to explore and learn the history, and culture of the place.
Location: Dengfeng Blvd, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
5. Longmen Cave Temples
Photo: Maciej Cisowski / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When looking for the Best temples in China, you must include Longmen Cave Temples in your list. It is guaranteed that you haven’t seen anything like this before. Carved into limestone cliffs, there are over 2,300 caves and each of them has unique Chinese art. As soon as you step inside the caves, you will notice the statues, and inscriptions, featuring Buddhist figures. However, the highlight is the colossal statue of Vairocana Buddha, which is over 17 metres tall and placed in the Fengxian Temple. Additionally, the caves are surrounded by landscapes, which offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Location: 13 Long Men Zhong Jie, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan, China
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
6. Lingyin Temple
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One of the China temples that everybody talks about is the Lingyin Temple. Built-in 328 AD, it is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Tourists from both China and outside the country come here to witness the beautiful architecture. Despite being several centuries old, the temple retains its importance and offers a lovely experience to its visitors. As you enter the temple, you are greeted by the Feilai Feng, a limestone hill that is adorned with ancient Buddhist carvings. Besides that, there’s a giant Buddha statue in the main hall, which is entirely made of camphor wood. Over the years, the temple has served as a sanctuary for monks and pilgrims. If you want to get a closer look at China’s religious traditions, visiting this place is a must.
Location: Xihu, Hangzhou, China
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
7. Nanshan Temple
Nanshan Temple may not be the biggest temple in China, but it is surely a beautiful place to explore. Located in Hainan Province, this temple was built in 1998 to celebrate 2,000 years of Buddhism in the country. The main attraction of the temple is the giant Guan Yin statue, which stands on the sea. Additionally, the temple complex has beautiful gardens, pavilions, and halls that are adorned with intricate Buddhist art. Unlike other temples, Nanshan Temple doesn’t have a traditional architecture. Instead, it features a modern design and promotes themes of peace, compassion, and environmental harmony.
Location: Yazhou District, Sanya, China
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
8. Lama Temple
Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When it comes to exploring the oldest temples in China, you need to have a Lama Temple in your itinerary. Initially, this place was a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, but now it has been converted into a temple. Based on records, the temple was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty and features a beautiful architectural design. The entire temple showcases intricate carvings, and murals, which makes it look even more stunning. One of the major highlights of the temple is the Maitreya Buddha statue, which is carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Besides that, the temple complex has multiple halls and courtyards that shouldn’t be missed.
Location: 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Wannian Temple
Photo: Siyuwj / Wikimedia Commons
Wannian Temple, also known as the “Temple of Eternal Peace,” is another religious site that is a must-visit for tourists. Located in Sichuan Province, the temple is believed to be 1,600 years old and is home to Bodhisattva Puxian, the protector of Mount Emei. The most attractive thing in the temple is the statue of Puxian, which is made of pure bronze. As per reports, the statue weighs over 62 tons. Once you are done exploring the temple, you can marvel at the beautiful surroundings. The temple offers an excellent view of misty mountains and ancient forests. To reach the temple, you will have to take a cable car ride, which further adds to the experience.
Location: Emeishan City, Sichuan, China
Timings: 12 AM – 11:59 PM
10. Confucius Temple
Photo: 江上清风 / Wikimedia Commons
For those who don’t know Confucius was a great Chinese philosopher and educator. The Confucius temple in Shandong Province was built in his honour in 478 AD. However, the temple has been expanded over the centuries and now it has turned into a popular tourist spot. The architecture of the temple is not only stunning to look at, but it also reflects traditional Chinese elements. While exploring the temple complex, you will notice the magnificent gates, courtyards, and stone steles. A highlight of the temple is the Dacheng Hall, which houses a statue of Confucius.
Location: Qufu, Shandong province
Timings: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Exploring temples in China offers a unique experience that takes you closer to their culture and religious traditions. From Beijing to Shanghai, there are hundreds of temples in the country. The best part of visiting these sacred sites is that they allow you to see the beautiful architectural work up close. So, if you are ready for an exciting trip to China, you should book your tickets with TripXL.
Cover Photo: will louis / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
