The DaMing Temple (大明寺) in YangZhou, JiangSu province, is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It is one of the key cultural and historical landmarks in YangZhou and holds significant importance in Chinese Buddhist heritage. Here is more information about the DaMing Temple:
History and Origins:
Establishment: The DaMing Temple was originally built during the Southern Dynasties period in the 5th century AD, making it one of the oldest temples in Jiangsu province.
Significance: It was initially established by the ruler of the Liang Dynasty, Emperor Wu, as a center for Buddhist teachings and practices.
Architectural Features:
Main Hall (Mahavira Hall): The temple's main hall is the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), a grand and majestic structure that enshrines statues of Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism.
Pagoda: The temple complex also includes a historic pagoda, known as the Yunyan Pagoda (云岩塔), which is a designated national treasure and an iconic symbol of Yangzhou.
Cultural Heritage:
Influence: Throughout its history, the DaMing Temple has played a pivotal role in the development of Buddhist culture, attracting scholars, monks, and pilgrims from across China and beyond.
Renowned Monks: The temple has been associated with several influential Buddhist monks and scholars, contributing to the spread of Buddhism and the exchange of knowledge.
Attractions and Highlights:
Yunyan Pagoda: The pagoda within the temple grounds is a must-visit attraction, offering panoramic views of Yangzhou from its upper levels.
Historic Artifacts: The DaMing Temple houses various Buddhist artifacts, scriptures, and relics, providing insights into the region's religious and cultural heritage.
Modern Significance:
Cultural Site: Today, the DaMing Temple remains an active Buddhist temple and a popular destination for tourists, scholars, and pilgrims interested in exploring China's Buddhist traditions.
Tourist Destination: Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the temple complex, admire its architecture, and learn about its historical significance.
Location:
Address: DaMing Temple, No. 1 Taicheng Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
The DaMing Temple in Yangzhou stands as a testament to China's enduring Buddhist legacy and serves as a living link to the region's ancient past. Its blend of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore Jiangsu's historical treasures.
The first Buddhist temple in China was constructed here in SiChuan province in the 1st century A.D. The addition of other temples has turned Éméi Shān into one of Buddhism's holiest sites and is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China.
All in all, there are now seventy six Buddhist temples and monasteries, most of them located near the mountain top.
The first two films focus on the most well-known - the Golden Summit and the 48 meters tall statue of Samantabhadra, known in Mandarin as PǔXián PúSà 普賢菩薩.
The LeShan Giant Buddha 乐山大佛 is located in SiChuan province and is a 233 foot tall stone statue constructed during the Tang Dynasty.
Emei Shan (3,100 meters / 10,200 feet) is one of the four Chinese Buddhist sacred mountains.
Emei Shan is UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the Leshan Giant Buddha) : "...an area of exceptional cultural significance as it is the place where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory... The first Buddhist temple in China was built on the summit of Mount Emei in the 1st century CE."
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Buddhism came to this area via the northern Silk Road that linked Xi'An with Kashgar
Dragon Spring Temple (龙泉寺路), near FengHuangLing Nature Park.
How to get there: subway line 4 to BeiGongMen (North Gate of the Summer Palace), then bus 346 to FengHuangLing (Phoenix Ridge Park, the final stop), a bus ride of about 12-14km.
Explore the beautiful ancient town and surrounding sand-dunes and Buddhist caves with Sticker Travel.
The second film shows the Silk Road DunHuang Hotel.
DunHuang lies at the eastern end of the old northern Silk Route, from the ancient capital of Xi'An westwards to Kashgar in XinJiang province. The Great Wall was extended westwards to here around 120 BCE during the Han dynasty (202 BCE - 220 AD). During the Han and Tang dynasties, in particular, it was an important point of communication between China and central Asia.
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The complex was constructed between 1767 and 1771 during the reign of emperor QianLong (1735–1796). It is located just north of the ChengDe Mountain Resort. Along with the equally famed Puning Temple, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of ChengDe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The temple was modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China.
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The MaiJiShan Grottoes are filled with thousands of Buddhist sculptures.
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The Qin state, the founding dynasty of China, arose in this part of China.
YongHe Lama Temple dates from 1722 (Qing dynasty).
Emperor QianLong conferred it with imperial status and its roof tiles were changed to those with the imperial golden yellow color. The monastery became home to many Tibetan monks and eventually it was declared the National Center of Lama Administration.
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In SiChuan province.
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Set in the mountains an hour west of BeiJing, TanZhe Si is a wonderfully peaceful place.
There is a saying - 'First there was TanZhe Si, then there was Beijing'.
