Qianshan Giant Buddha Temple

Qianshan Giant Buddha Temple

The Giant Buddha Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Giant Buddha Temple: Originally named Nanyuan Nunnery, it is located in Nanyuan Valley in the northern part of Qianshan Mountain. First built during the Tang Dynasty, it had collapsed by the Ming Dynasty. Nestled against the mountain in a narrow valley bend, the nunnery embodied the poetic imagery of “distant temple bells echoing faintly, green forests guarded by distant peaks; the temple lies so far off the path that you suddenly find its gate as the valley bends.” Surrounded by mountains on three sides and enclosed by a high wall on the fourth, the temple complex had seven buildings with 20 rooms, covering a construction area of 523.6 square meters. Historical records indicate that Nanyuan Nunnery was rebuilt in the 20th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1585); it was renovated again in the 2nd year of the Tianming reign of the Qing Dynasty (1617), when three halls and one Buddha niche were constructed; and it underwent another renovation in the 5th year of the Jiaqing reign (September 1800).

It was later renamed and rebuilt after the discovery of a naturally formed Maitreya (Laughing Buddha) statue.

Today’s Giant Buddha Temple features the Maitreya Treasure Hall standing atop Lotus Peak, the Longhua Dharma Hall situated within the sacred site, the Welcoming Gate that receives and sees off pilgrims to the Pure Land, warmly greeting devotees from all directions. The Shakyamuni Relic Dharma Hall houses the sacred relic of Shakyamuni Buddha. Other halls include the Heavenly King Hall, Kṣitigarbha Hall, Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Hall, and the Thousand Buddha Maitreya Pavilion... Within the Giant Buddha Temple, the presence of the Buddhas is solemn, the Three Jewels are complete, and its fame resonates both domestically and internationally.

Upon entering the Giant Buddha Temple, the first hall you see is the Dharma King Hall, which enshrines the Laughing Maitreya Buddha. A saying describes him: “A big belly that can hold all the unbearable things in the world; a smiling face that laughs at all the laughable people in the world.” He symbolizes the Buddha of the future era, representing the future, renewal, and hope. Surrounding him are the Four Heavenly Kings, also known as the Four Great Kings or Guardians, who hold symbolic weapons representing favorable weather and prosperity. Behind the Maitreya Buddha stands Skanda (Wei Tuo Bodhisattva), who holds a vajra staff. Skanda is a guardian deity in Buddhism. There is a saying that describes him: “Millions of divine soldiers protect this one who has attained enlightenment; across the three thousand worlds, who dares to meditate in his presence?” You can see the four large characters “三洲感应” (Three Continents’ Response). The three continents refer to: the Eastern Divine Continent, the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa, and the Western Continent of Aparagodaniya. Skanda holds his vajra staff with its tip pointing downward to the ground, which signifies that the temple does not offer lodging (no “hanging staff”) nor vegetarian meals.

The naturally formed Maitreya Giant Buddha appeared in Qianhua, desiring to manifest in this human realm. Qianshan has thus become a “Maitreya Sacred Site,” spreading Buddhist teachings for over a thousand years. In this prosperous era, when the people enjoy peace, the Thousand Buddha Pavilion was established. Inside, the image of Maitreya is majestic and dazzling. A total of 1,446 golden Maitreya statues are gathered in one pavilion, encompassing Maitreya images from various dynasties, including the high-legged Maitreya from ancient India, the contemplative Maitreya from the Northern Qi Dynasty, and the Buddha-robed Maitreya from the Tang Dynasty.

The statues were crafted using the finest traditional Maitreya sculptural art techniques from over 1,800 years, spanning from ancient Greece and India’s Gandhara period to China’s Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. The coloring and gold leaf application use entirely natural pigments and pure gold.

On the upper right is the familiar big-bellied Maitreya Buddha; on the upper left is the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan, reflecting the sculptural characteristics of the Tang Dynasty. Opposite it is the Maitreya statue from the Yongguang Grottoes, showcasing the style of the Northern Wei period. Many other Maitreya statues are also found on the Buddha beds on both sides.

The overall architectural spatial layout adopts a three-dimensional, three-tiered intersecting design, incorporating over a thousand Maitreya statues from various historical periods in China, each with unique artistic features and value. It bridges ancient and modern architectural techniques, presenting a distinctive form. The painting uses the highest-grade transitional colors known as “Six Blues” and “Six Greens.” The content covers many classic Buddhist stories about Maitreya passed down through generations, making it a true treasure trove of Maitreya culture in every aspect.

Entering the Thousand Buddha Pavilion not only provides you with an artistic experience but also ensures that the future Maitreya will bless you with good fortune, happiness, and peace in the days to come.

In the Inner Great Buddha Plaza, looking up, you’ll see the main structure of the Giant Buddha Temple—the solemn and majestic Longhua Hall. On the walls, you can see six large characters engraved: “天成弥勒道场” (Naturally Formed Maitreya Sacred Site), written by Venerable Shi Jueguang, Vice President of the Buddhist Association. Qianshan can be described as a sacred site where “a thousand Buddhas transform into a thousand lotuses, a thousand peaks cradle a thousand Maitreyas.” Turning the prayer wheel once is equivalent to reciting 200,000 mantras. On one hand, it helps eliminate mistakes you may have unknowingly committed; on the other hand, it increases your boundless wisdom and blessings.

The Longhua Dharma Hall is located in the center of the Great Buddha Plaza. It is the sacred site where Maitreya attained enlightenment under the Dragon Flower Tree in the Hualin Garden, preached to immortals, and guided nearly 30 billion beings to liberation through three major teachings. At the southern end of the plaza stands a pagoda reaching into the clouds—this is the location of the Shakyamuni Relic Dharma Hall and the Relic Pagoda. Relics are the most precious treasures in Buddhism. To see the Buddha’s relics is to see the Buddha himself; to worship the relics is to worship the true body of the Buddha.

Relics are the most sacred treasures in Buddhism. To see the Buddha’s relics is to see the Buddha himself; to worship them is to worship his true form. The Dharma Hall houses six genuine relics of Shakyamuni Buddha’s bone. These are not only miraculous Buddhist treasures but also rare holy objects that only the fortunate can behold. Each relic is crystal-clear and hard as diamond. The relics of Shakyamuni from 2,500 years ago remain not just to demonstrate the wonder of Buddhism, but to teach the world that the Buddha’s words are true, that his teachings endure forever, and that through these relics, he reveals the profound path of Buddhism.

The Relic Pagoda can be considered the most exquisite and magnificent stone-carved pagoda in Northeast China. With thirteen tiers, it represents the highest level of pagoda architecture. The base is surrounded by an octagonal railing, dragon pillars, and stone lanterns. The railing is carved with eight scenes depicting the life and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, along with explanatory inscriptions. The pagoda also features eight seated statues of Shakyamuni, symbolizing the Eight Directions’ Pure Lands. The heavenly palace inside the pagoda houses the sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha. If you have wishes or hopes, praying to this all-powerful Buddha will surely fulfill them.

The Qianshan Giant Buddha is hailed as a natural heritage and a wonder of the world. For 2,000 years, Maitreya has had no sacred site, but Buddhist figures believe Qianshan is his sacred place. The former president of the Buddhist Association of China, Zhao Puchu, joyfully inscribed the words “Qianshan Maitreya Sacred Site.” The Giant Buddha is a deity who has journeyed through ancient times, having endured the trials of history and gathered the essence of heaven and earth. With his infinite wisdom, he enlightens the confused inspiration of modern people; with his profound thoughts, he warns us of the development of our careers. He sits there quietly, silent yet seemingly traversing mysterious realms, forever solemn and majestic, filled with boundless power. “After a hundred kalpas, one may ask if the world knows liberation; embraced by Qianshan, only Maitreya possesses such boundless compassion.” May everyone receive the Buddha’s blessings, achieve their heart’s desires, and enjoy success in all endeavors.

The Giant Buddha Temple is known for its frequent spiritual responses, repeatedly amazing countless devotees with the divine power of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Homage to the Great Compassionate Maitreya Buddha ! Homage to the Great Compassionate Maitreya Buddha ! Homage to the Great Compassionate Maitreya Buddha !