During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Buddhism spread across China along the ancient trade routes of the Western Regions, known as the Silk Road. Among them, the western regions are home to countless renowned Buddhist sites. As the saying goes, “It’s not the height of the mountain that matters, but the presence of a ‘Buddha’ that makes it famous.” Below are eight of Gansu’s most famous ancient Buddhist temples.
1. Nanguo Temple
Nanguo Temple, also known as Nanshan Temple or Miaosheng Courtyard, is located south of Tianshui City in Gansu Province. The temple was established over a thousand years ago and boasts beautiful scenery, with ancient trees towering above. It is steeped in legends such as those of the Han cypress and Tang pagoda tree.
