The Putuo Zongcheng Temple |
The Putuo Zongcheng Temple of Chengde, Hebei province, China is a Qing Dynasty era Buddhist temple complex built between 1767 and 1771, during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796). It is located near the Chengde Mountain Resort, which is south of the Putuo Zongcheng. Along with the equally famed Puning Temple, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of Chengde. The temple was modeled after the Potala Palace of Tibet, the old sanctuary of the Dalai Lama built a century earlier. Hence the Putuo Zongcheng has been nicknamed the "Little Potala Palace". Since it was modeled after the Potala palace, the temple represents a fusion of Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China. Many of its halls and pavilions are adorned with copper and gold tiled roofs, adding to the splendor of the site.
The Putuo Zongcheng Temple was originally dedicated to Qianlong in order to commemorate his birthday, as well as provide Hebei with a temple of equal size and splendor as the Tibetan Potala Palace. The Putuo Zongcheng temple served more functions than just Buddhist ceremony and festival, however. It was also the location that the emperor would gather meetings of different ethnic envoys found throughout the empire. The location served as a peaceful getaway in contrast to the bustling life of the capital Beijing, as well as complimented the nearby hunting grounds that the emperor would enjoy with his hosts.
As of 1994, the Chengde Mountain Resort and Chengde's Eight Outer Temples (including the Putuo Zongcheng Temple) were established as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, the temple remains a site of tourism and local festivities.
Something about the name
The name "Putuo Zongcheng" is the Chinese translation for the Potala Palace in Tibet, on which this temple is modeled. Indeed, this temple is also known as the Little Potala Palace. Built between 1767 and 1771, it is located near the Chengde Mountain Resort, which is south of the Putuo Zongcheng. Along with the equally famed Temple of Universal Peace, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of Chengde.
Unique stylistic fusion
Since it was modeled after the Potala palace, the temple represents a fusion of Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China. Many of its halls and pavilions are adorned with copper and gold tiled roofs, adding to the splendor of the site.
Most of the complex's 60 or so halls are Tibetan in style, with white walls and flat roofs. Han Chinese elements are present, too, however, creating a unique stylistic fusion. Today, the temple houses numerous exhibits of artefacts, from statues and furnishings to pottery and ceramics and Tibetan religious items.
Great artistic value
The temple has great artistic value. A crystallization of the style and characteristics of ancient Tibetan architecture, the temple is made up of 50 Buddhist halls, scripture-reciting halls, monks' living quarters, terraces and glazed ceremonial arches which rise and fall with the mountain slopes.
A great symbol
The temple, dedicated to Emperor Qianlong on his birthday in 1771, is an astonishing copy of the traditional seat of Tibetan power. It served as a symbol of the unifying power of the Qing Empire over a diversity of peoples and cultures. It is also reflective of the long-standing Chinese fascination with Tibetan Buddhism and Lamaism, which had a profound effect on China's own cultural development. During the heyday of the Qing, the temple hosted many visiting dignitaries from the empires borderlands, including Mongolia and Tibet; even today, it's not hard to imagine the sense of awe that such visitors may have felt.
When to visit
Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.
Edited by Athena Lee |
| 0 |
|
| China Tour Online Help |
 |
| Service available 24X7 |
| China Tour Promotions |
|
|
| Welcome to participate China tour promotion programs offered by Holiday China Tour and enjoy the best discount china tour prices. |
| Chengde Tour Photos |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
 |
| Beijing Chengde Tour, China |
|
