Occupying pride of place in the southwestern region of Xiamen Island the famous South Putuo Temple is equally known for its breathtaking location surrounded by ocean vistas and the Wulao Peaks as it is for religious prominence in the cultural landscape of Fujian Province. Home to the South Fujian Buddhist Academy the site of the South Putuo Temple is tipped to be one of the holiest in China due to its proximity to Mount Putuo, a prominent Buddhist landmark in nearby Zhejiang Province which is counted among Zhoushan’s Four Great Buddhist Mountains.
Located at the base of South Putuo Mountain the temple is a monumental religious structure spread out over an expansive area of more than 25.7 hectares. The religious edifices of the venue occupy an equally impressive 21,270m2 and have been built in a tier pattern with a central axis serving as the base.  The highlights within the temple complex are many and varied although no trip to the locale would be complete without a stopover at the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Hall of Great Mercy. The other quarters worthy of exploration in the temple are dubbed the Precious Hall of Great Hero and the Buddhist Scripture Garret. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are located in annexes of the main axis which also houses corridors, classrooms and other points of interest such as the Puzhao Hall, Haihui Hall and the Taixu Library. Beautifully positioned on sloping mountain terrain the temple grounds are as aesthetically pleasing as they are sacred.
Several picturesque ponds are also found in the premises which includes the Free Life Pond which is located near the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. The newly constructed pavilions, lotus pond and Longevity Towers also warrant greater exploration in addition to the Seven Buddha Tower. Featuring seven sculptures of Lord Buddha including representations of the Kasyapa and Sakyamuni incarnations the Seven Buddha Tower is only surpassed in beauty by the 11-layered Longevity Towers which display classic Buddhist architectural elements typical of the South Asian tradition.
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