The Temple of the Great Buddha is located in the southwest of Zhangye, in Gansu province. It houses the largest statue of a reclining Sakyamuni Buddha in Chine, measuring 35 meters long, and preserves a remarkably well-preserved wooden architectural complex from the 12th century.

Why visit the Temple of the Great Buddha

This temple combines several rare features in one location: a monumental golden reclining Buddha statue, a wooden complex that has survived nearly nine centuries, relics from the Western Xia dynasty, and a 13-story pagoda counted among the four main pagodas of Zhangye. It offers material testimony to the spread of Buddhism in Chinese Central Asia, along the ancient Silk Road, and remains one of the few Buddhist complexes from this period still standing in the region.

History of the temple

The temple was built nearly 900 years ago, during the Western Xia dynasty (during the Yong'an era, toward the end of the 11th century). Several restorations took place subsequently, notably during the Qing dynasty, which explains the coexistence of architectural elements from different periods.

The building bore several successive names before adopting its current name: Jiaye Rulai Temple, Baojue Temple, then Hongren Temple.

Two local traditions are associated with the site. According to one, the temple would have been the birthplace of Kublai Khan, founder of the Yuan dynasty; according to another, Queen Bieji of the Yuan dynasty resided there. These accounts belong to regional folklore and are disputed by historians, but they testify to the prestige attached to the site.

What to see on site

The architecture of the complex

The complex spans approximately 23,000 m² and comprises several buildings:

• the main building, which houses the monumental statue;
• the 13-story pagoda, one of the four major pagodas of Zhangye;
• the library preserving Buddhist sutras;
• the Tower of the Earth.

The main structure is entirely built of wood and has been perfectly preserved, making it a rare witness to the religious architecture of the Western Xia.

The Great Reclining Buddha

The central statue depicts the Buddha in a reclining position, stretched out over 35 meters. Covered in gold leaf, it rests on a platform approximately 1.2 meters high. The proportions are colossal: the ears measure nearly 4 meters and the feet reach 5.2 meters.

Around the statue are clay arhats, numerous murals, and in the background, a representation of the Buddha's ten disciples. On the sides of the hall stand the statues of holy warriors (guardians).

The painted clay statues

The main hall preserves 31 painted clay statues, classified as relics from the Western Xia dynasty. They constitute a statuette ensemble of great interest for understanding Buddhist iconography from this period.

Practical information

• Visit duration: allow 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the entire complex.
• Admission fee: paid entry at moderate cost; as rates may change, it is advisable to check on site.
• Hours: open daily during the day, with hours covering morning and afternoon. It is better to visit in the morning to avoid tour groups.
• Note: photography may be restricted in certain rooms, particularly near the reclining Buddha.

How to get there

The temple is located in the south-central part of Zhangye and is easily accessible by urban transport. From the bus station, bus n°1 runs through the city; you should get off at the stop near the Industrial and Commercial Bank of Chine (ICBC). The temple is on the right, a few steps from the station. A taxi remains a quick alternative from anywhere in the downtown area.

Nearby attractions

Zhangye and the Gansu region offer other major sites to combine with your visit:

• the historic center of Zhangye and its wooden pagoda, in the immediate vicinity;
• the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, another major site of Chinese Buddhist art;
• the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, to extend the theme of Buddhist architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your trip

The Temple of the Great Buddha fits naturally into an itinerary along the ancient Chine Silk Road. To build a custom trip including Zhangye and Gansu, consult our trips to Chine.