China - Destinations for Buddhism
The history of Buddhism in China (Chinese Buddhism) is vast, spanning over 2,000 years, and has produced unique forms like Chan Buddhism (which became Zen in Japan).
If you want to learn more about Buddhism in China, your travels should focus on the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a few key historical sites.
Key Destinations for Chinese Buddhism
1. The Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains (The Core)
These mountains are believed to be the dwelling places of the four great Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) and are the most important pilgrimage sites.
| Mountain | Bodhisattva | Focus/What to See | Location & Why to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Emei (峨眉山 Éméi Shān) | Samantabhadra (普贤 Pǔxián), Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue. | Known for its natural beauty, incredible views, and the golden summit statue of the Bodhisattva. | Sichuan Province (near Chengdu/Leshan). Best for seeing the integration of nature and Buddhism, plus the famous Leshan Giant Buddha (nearby). |
| Mount Putuo (普陀山 Pǔtuó Shān) | Guanyin (观音 Guānyīn), Bodhisattva of Compassion. | Known for its ocean setting, white temples, and the Guanyin statue facing the sea. | Zhejiang Province (near Shanghai/Ningbo). It is a beautiful island pilgrimage site with a very serene and spiritual atmosphere. |
| Mount Wutai (五台山 Wǔtái Shān) | Manjusri (文殊 Wénshū), Bodhisattva of Wisdom. | The oldest and most important site, hosting a concentration of major monasteries, including ancient temples dating back to the Tang Dynasty. | Shanxi Province. Best for the sheer density and historical depth of Chinese Buddhist architecture and culture. |
| Mount Jiuhua (九华山 Jiǔhuá Shān) | Kshitigarbha (地藏 Dìzàng), Bodhisattva of the Great Vow (guardian of the Earth and hell). | Known for its unique mummified monks (Dìzàng's specialty is helping those in the underworld). | Anhui Province (near Huangshan). Best for learning about the unique folk beliefs and practices related to the afterlife. |
2. Historical Centers (The Origins and Power)
These cities or sites are key to understanding the political and cultural role of Buddhism.
| Location | Significance | Why to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Luoyang (洛阳) | First Entry Point of Buddhism. The city where Buddhism first established a foothold in China after arriving via the Silk Road. | White Horse Temple (白马寺 Báimǎ Sì): China's first Buddhist temple, historically seen as the "cradle of Buddhism" in the country. |
| Dunhuang (敦煌) & Gansu Province | Artistic and Silk Road Hub. The meeting point for cultures along the Silk Road, leading to a massive creation of Buddhist art. | Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟): Thousands of Buddhist cave paintings and statues from the 4th to 14th centuries, offering a profound view of the faith's early visual culture. |
| Xi'an (西安) | Capital of the Tang Dynasty. The central government supported Buddhism, making it a golden age for the faith. | Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔): Built to house the scriptures brought back from India by the revered monk Xuanzang, crucial for the development of Chinese Buddhism. |
| Beijing (北京) | Later Imperial Patronage. Under the Qing Dynasty, Tibetan (Lama) Buddhism became highly influential. | Lama Temple (雍和宫 Yōnghégōng): The most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, offering insight into this major branch of the faith. |
Summary Travel Advice
- For History/Art: Go to Dunhuang (Gansu) to see the unparalleled cave art that preserved the faith's visual history.
- For Nature/Pilgrimage: Visit Mount Emei (Sichuan) or Mount Putuo (Zhejiang) for an active, scenic pilgrimage experience.
- For Depth/Tradition: Visit Mount Wutai (Shanxi) for the densest and oldest concentration of monasteries.
- For a Quick Visit: The Lama Temple in Beijing offers a beautiful and accessible look at the Tibetan branch of Buddhism within a major city.