Situated
at the foot of Wulao
Peak on the southern end
of Xiamen is South Putuo
Temple, first built
during the Tang Dynasty
(618-907). Later rebuilt
during the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911), it is now
an imposing
multi-layered
trapezoidal structure
that overlooks the sea.
The Shrine of Buddhist
Scriptures houses a huge
collection of Buddhist
cultural relics,
including a Burmese jade
carving of the Buddha
and many important
Buddhist texts. The
temple’s Heavenly King
Hall, the main prayer
hall, the Hall of Great
Compassion and the
Shrine of Buddhist
Scriptures are all
graced with painted
brackets and upturned
eaves. Its rare
artifacts include four
giant stone turtles
lying on the right side
of the front gate, a
rock with holes in the
shape of a Chinese
ancient coin, a large
Song-dynasty bronze bell
and a white porcelain
sculpture of Guanyin,
the Goddess of Mercy.
The South Fujian
Buddhist Institute is
located to the left of
the temple. Established
in 1925, it enjoys great
prestige among Buddhists
in China. |