Donglin Buddha

Introducing Donglin Buddha

The Donglin Giant Buddha, located at the foot of Mount Lu in Wenquan Town, Xingzi County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China, is the symbol of the birthplace of Pure Land Buddhism (Donglin Temple) and the tallest Amitabha Buddha statue in China and the world.

Centered around the 48-meter bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, the complex comprises the Pure Land Culture Zone, the New Donglin Temple, the Bhikkhuni Temple, the Hermit Culture Zone, the Retirement Zone, the Haihui Hall, and the Dade Jingshe Zone. The Tang Dynasty-style buildings are arranged along the central axis, showcasing the classic spatial organization of ancient Chinese sacred mountain complexes. The main buildings are arranged in sequence along the central axis, creating a harmonious and dynamic spatial flow.

Four Bodhisattvas are enshrined in the four corners of the Sumeru Platform: Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in the southeast corner, Namo Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva in the southwest corner, Namo Samantabhadra Bodhisattva in the northwest corner, and Namo Manjusri Bodhisattva in the northeast corner. Like the Buddha statues, the four Bodhisattvas and the pagoda are clad in genuine gold, coated with lacquer.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Shanmen District

The architectural complex of the Big Buddha Scenic Area is arranged along the axis. At the southern end of the axis, adjacent to the main road around Lushan Mountain, a Tang-style screen wall in the form of a black-headed gate serves as a barrier and also as the southern boundary of the scenic area.

Sakya Temple Area

Inside the mountain gate, there are intricate water surfaces, platforms, rainbow bridges, and open corridors and pavilions with concave planes, as well as the main hall, forming a space somewhat similar to the Five Phoenix Tower at the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City. This is a space that welcomes with open arms, and it is also a space that shows the prosperous scene of the Eight Meritorious Waters and pavilions of the Pure Land Temple in the Tang Dynasty.

Jingzhuang District

Behind the Guanfo Pavilion, symmetrically placed pagoda pillars are located. Although a bell tower and a sutra storage building would have been located here during the Tang Dynasty, to adapt to modern Buddhist rituals, the pagoda pillars are arranged according to the spatial pattern of the terrain. However, their architectural form should reflect the style and style of Tang Dynasty pagoda pillars.

Recommended playing time: more than 3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Tuesday-Sunday: 8:00-17:00, closed on Mondays

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Most Popular FAQs for Donglin Buddha

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Donglin Buddha is located in Jiangxi Province, China, and is part of the Donglin Temple complex. The statue stands at 48 meters tall and was constructed to honor the Buddha and promote Buddhist teachings. It is a symbol of peace, wisdom, and the spread of Buddhist values in China.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Donglin Buddha is located in the Donglin Temple Scenic Area, near the town of Jiujiang in Jiangxi Province. You can get there by taking a taxi or bus from Jiujiang city center, or you can choose to drive if you're coming from nearby cities. Public transport options are limited, so taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Donglin Buddha is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the Donglin Buddha and temple complex costs around 50-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online through official ticketing platforms for convenience.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. You can book tickets online at least a day before your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the Donglin Buddha and its surrounding temple complex. If you wish to meditate or engage with the spiritual offerings, you might want to spend more time.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Donglin Buddha statue, which is the main highlight of the site.
• The surrounding Donglin Temple, offering a serene environment and beautiful Buddhist architecture.
• The scenic views from the hilltop, providing a breathtaking panorama of the area.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance for a self-guided tour experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are near the Donglin Buddha statue, where you can capture the grandeur of the statue against the backdrop of the mountains. The hilltop surrounding the temple also offers great panoramic views of the area.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit by walking towards the Donglin Buddha statue, then explore the nearby temples and the surrounding natural scenery. Don’t forget to spend some time in the temple's courtyard to appreciate its peaceful atmosphere.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows at the Donglin Buddha site. The site is best visited during the day to fully experience the temple’s beauty and spiritual ambiance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site is generally not very crowded, but weekends and Chinese holidays can see an influx of visitors. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as toilets, water stations, and rest areas are available at the site. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks, but there are no full-service restaurants on the premises.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is generally accessible, though there are some steps and uneven terrain in certain areas. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues may find some parts challenging, but the main areas are accessible by paved paths.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted at the entrance for ticket purchases and donations, but mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are also widely accepted throughout the site for convenience.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Nearby local restaurants serve traditional Chinese dishes, including vegetarian options.
• There are also small cafes around Jiujiang where you can relax after visiting the site.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many nearby restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, and there are halal food options available as well.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are several hotels in Jiujiang, including budget options and more luxurious stays like the Crowne Plaza and the Jiujiang Grand Hotel.
• Many visitors choose to stay in Jiujiang city and travel to the Donglin Buddha site as a day trip.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Lushan National Park, known for its natural beauty, is nearby and can easily be combined with a visit to Donglin Buddha.
• Jiujiang’s city center also has attractions like the Xunyang Pavilion and the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Buddhist-themed items such as statues, incense, and prayer beads, as well as local handicrafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxis are the most convenient option for continuing your trip from the Donglin Buddha site. Alternatively, buses and private vehicles are available for traveling to nearby attractions like Lushan or Jiujiang city center.