Chinese Buddhist Architecture

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
 Pictures of
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The development of Chinese Buddhist architecture can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism. The main Buddhist architectural items include temples, pagodas, and grottos. Buddhist architecture is regarded as a great art treasure where Chinese calligraphy, sculpture and Chinese painting combine. Being the spiritual symbols of Buddhism, they are not only monastic holy places, but also serve as sacred land that can purify souls.
 The Buddhist temple is the holy place where Buddhist doctrine is maintained. Differing from other religions' temples, Chinese Buddhist temples have many characteristics of their own. For example, similar to Chinese palaces and dwelling houses, they are comprised of a number of small yards. The oldest temple in China - White Horse Temple is a typical example of this.

The architectural styles of Buddhist temples in China were mainly formed in three periods: Han Dynasty (206BC-220), Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), and Tang Dynasty (618-907). The first period sees the retention of Indian styles. In the second period, wooden framework was added to the original styles. In the third period, the styles of Buddhist temples were totally Sinicized and the pavilion-like pagoda, which is unique to China, became popular.
 

Pagoda

As the symbol of Buddhism where people climb to have a bird's-eye-view, it is often erected in temples. Pagodas can be made of stone, wood, colored glaze or metal. Pagodas have an odd number of layers. Seven-layer and Nine-layer pagodas are commonly built. The shape of cross-section is rectangular, eight-sided or even circular. Initially, the pagoda served as the central axis alongside which rows of halls and monks' rooms spread out. Later, pagodas were built near the main palace hall.

 
White Horse Temple, Luoyang, Henan
White Horse Temple, Luoyang, Henan
 White Horse Temple Pictures
Buddha Statues in Maiji Caves, Tianshui, Gansu
Buddha Statues in Maiji Caves, Tianshui
 Maiji Caves Pictures

Grotto

It is another type of Buddhist architecture, which is often chiseled into cliffs. In the 3rd century, Chinese Buddhists began to build grottoes and Xinjiang is the first area where grottoes were hewn. Grottoes are decorated with painted sculptures, carvings and frescos. Craftsmen revealed real life pictures and their understanding of society in these art works, which gave them great historical and cultural value. The four famous grottoes in China are: Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes and Maiji Caves. They are well preserved and attract many visitors from home and abroad.
- Last updated on Aug. 08, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Chinese Buddhist Architecture
Asked by Mickey Sim from SINGAPORE | Jun. 21, 2016 08:54Reply
Please advise the top ten should visit buddhist temples in china.
Answers (1)
Answered by Richards from ITALY | Jun. 21, 2016 20:37
30Reply


1. Feihong Pagoda in Hongdong County Shanxi Province
2. Songyue Pagoda in Dengfeng City
3. Qianxun Pagoda in Dali City
4. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in Shanxi Province
5. Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an City
6. Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou City
7. Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou City
8. Six Harmonies Pagoda in Hangzhou City
9. Bao'en Temple Pagoda in Suzhou City
10. Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng City
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