Monastery Introduction

Traditional Chinese Buddhist Monastery

An introduction to the overall layout, architectural sequence, and visiting route of a traditional Chinese Buddhist monastery.

Central Axis and Courtyards

Traditional Chinese Buddhist monasteries commonly unfold along a central axis. The Mountain Gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and Sutra Repository form a progressive sequence of sacred spaces, while bell and drum towers and subsidiary halls stand on either side.

How to Explore

Select a hall from the directory on the left. The introduction shown here is the same page that opens when the hall is selected directly from the guide map.