A few weeks ago, I visited the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, which is located in Chengde, Hebei Province. It is one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist temple complexes in China.
It was an incredible experience and one that I would never forget.
A Little History
Built between 1767 and 1771 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, it was modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and serves as a symbol of the Qing rulers’ support for Tibetan Buddhism.
I found this interesting because when I first saw the temple, I immediately thought of Potala Palace. When I learned that it was modeled after it, I could definitely see the similarities.
Fun Facts about Putuo Zongcheng Temple
The complex covers an area of 220,000 square meters (54 acres).
It features a blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles, reflecting the cultural integration promoted by the Qing Dynasty.
The front part, the temple gate, the tablet pavilion, the five pagoda gate, and the glazed archway are in Han style.
The Grand Red Terrace, the main structure in the rear, is modeled after the Red Palace of Potala.
The gilding of the main hall cost over three hundred kilograms of pure gold and houses a massive statue of the Buddha.
Puto means Mount Putuo, the place for Bodhisattva Guanyin to practice Buddhism.
In 1994, the temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Chengde Mountain Resort and surrounding temples.
The resort and surrounding temples were designed to strengthen ties between the Qing court and ethnic minorities, particularly Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhists.
Admission and Visiting Details
- Admission: Tickets typically cost ¥80 (approximately $12 USD), though prices may vary during special events or holidays.
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during peak tourist seasons.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through official travel agencies.
What It’s Like to Visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple
The first thing I noticed was that the temple blends Chinese and Tibetan architectural elements, with red and white walls, gilded roofs, and wood carvings.
The temple feels calm and peaceful, with the sound of prayer wheels spinning and monks performing their rituals.
When I climbed to the upper levels, the views of the surrounding Chengde Mountain Resort were stunning.
On the ground level there is a statue of a Stone Elephant.
The elephant, representing Mahayana in Buddhism, has a meaning of universal salvation of all human beings. The statue of the elephant is 2.45m tall.
Throughout the complex, I noticed a lot of historical statues.
Dahongtai is the highest point within the temple complex, covering 10,300 square meters.
It stands on a 17-meter base and includes several significant buildings, such as the Mañjuśrī Hall and the Thousand Buddha Pavilion.
The Mountain Gate faces south and combines Tibetan and Han architectural styles. It consists of a masonry fortification topped with a five-ridge hall.
Stone lions guard the entrance, and a nearby pavilion houses tablets inscribed in multiple languages, documenting historical events.
There is also a shop where visitors can buy small souvenirs within the temple grounds.
I noticed that there were a lot of traditional Tibetan-style crafts, prayer beads, and other souvenirs available for purchase.
Tips for Visiting Putuo Zongcheng Temple
You are going to be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. The temple’s complex is vast and if you truly want to enjoy it, make sure you allow yourself some comfort.
Staying hydrated is important, especially during summer visits. I brought a water bottle that had straps, so I wore it across my body and it made the climbs easy while freeing my hands.
As a religious site, dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and refrain from touching sacred artifacts.
Arriving in the morning ensures a quieter experience. If you love photography like I do, then the lighting in the morning time is much better.
Nearby Attractions
Putuo Zongcheng Temple is part of the Chengde Mountain Resort area, which includes several other notable attractions including Chengde Mountain Resort, Puning Temple, Temple of Universal Happiness (Pule Temple), and Sledgehammer Peak.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscapes are at their most beautiful.
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