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Why the Jade Buddha
Temple is special
The Jade Buddha Temple houses two exceptional Buddha statues, each exquisitely carved from a single piece of
white jade. The temple's architectural design is also very impressive.
Interesting insights about
the Jade Buddha Temple
 One of the two famous jade statues
is of Buddha in a reclining posture (see photo). It depicts the moment when he was leaving earth to enter
Nirvana. His skin appears to emit an inner glow. The statue is approximately one meter (3 feet) long.
The other famous statue is of
Buddha in a seated position, the point of his
enlightenment. The statue is bejeweled and is about two meters (6
feet) in height.
The Jade Buddha Temple is a working place of worship,
not just a tourist destination. You will see monks performing ceremonies and worshipers burning bundles of
incense sticks.
Jade Buddha Temple tidbits
The temple was
built in 1882 to house the jade Buddhas,
but was destroyed in 1911, then rebuilt in 1918. The reconstruction was done in the very photogenic
architectural style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
A complete set of sacred
ancient Buddhist scriptures are stored next to the seated jade Buddha.
Tips for your
vacation tour or trip
The temple also has a reclining
Buddha statue twice the length of the famous one. Don't confuse them, as some tourists do. The large one is
not an artistic masterpiece.
To avoid the crowds, go early or
late in the day - and definitely not on weekends.
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