|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel China > China Attractions > Tanzhe Temple
Tanzhe Temple
China, an East Asian country is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a vast cultural history of more than five thousand years and an outstanding natural beauty. On the other hand, this country has remained a comparatively isolated and secluded one, and being a land of mystery, this country is not known to the western half of the world. However, China is rapidly developing and has grown in the phase of modernization, with an immense speed and is also welcoming the outer world to interact and do business with them.
Situated in the Western Hills, Tanzhe Temple lies 45 kilometers west of Beijing. The temple name means dragon pool and mulberry tree temple, due to its nearness to the Dragon Pool and the trees growing in the surrounding hills. The temple dates back 1,600 years, although its name has changed on several occasions. Covering an area 41,600 square meters, this temple is one of the biggest in the area.
Most of the buildings are in typical Ming and Qing style architecture. The temple is divided between the Hall of Abstinence, the Ordination Altar and the Hall to Guanyin. Later it has received fame because of its association with princess Miaoyan, daughter of Kublai Khan. The princess is said to have entered the nunnery there in the 13th century. Within the hall, indentations can be found on the stone on which she always knelt and prayed. Apparently she was also buried within the temple compound. A statue of her is on display at the temple.
The greenery in the area is stunning especially in the spring when the fruit trees are in blossom. In the compound there is also an ancient ginko tree known as the emperor tree that stands 30 meters high and was apparently planted in the Liao dynasty. This place will leave a pleasing and unforgettable memory and justify the proud cultural tradition of China.
Back to China Attractions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|