Towering before us stands the Donglin Temple. The Donglin Temple is a Buddhist temple in Shanghai’s Jinshan District. It is more than 700 years old. The Donglin Temple was founded in 1308. It was originally called Guanyintang.
Imagine Shanghai centuries ago. During the Yuan Dynasty, this sacred space first arose. Wars and fires took their toll. The Donglin Temple was repeatedly ruined and rebuilt. Only one main hall remained before the latest restoration. Yet, incense still burned.
Now, let’s look at the architecture. The Donglin Temple was restored in 2007. It boasts a unique style. The main building mimics a tall rockery. It forms a mountain and temple in one.
Three parallel bridges lead to the main entrance gate. In the courtyard, a 5.4-meter-tall statue of Sudhana stands tall. Sudhana is the Child of Wealth. It is decorated with Cloisonné enamel. Eight copper fish surround the statue. Visitors toss coins into their open mouths.
At the back lies the Hall of Guanyin. The exterior mimics a large red cliff. The entrance gate is about 20 meters high. It is also 10 meters wide. Bronze doors display 999 relief images of Buddha.
Inside the Hall of Guanyin, a gilded statue dominates. The statue is of the thousand-armed Guanyin. It is 27 meters tall. It stands on a 2-meter-high lotus base. Each arm stretches up to 5 meters.
The golden bridge connects the frontage to the main gate. It has 1017 carved Chinese characters of happiness. It is also named The Bridge of A Thousand of Happiness.
The white jade-made gate comprises 3 arches. It has 5 golden hand-made bronze sculptures of lotus. 48 jade statues of Buddha sit on top of it. This gate lends the Donglin Temple a solemn air.
Two bronze pavilions stand in the courtyard. The Bell Pavilion and the Drum Pavilion are a sight to behold.
Beneath the artificial hill lies the Pavilion of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Giant bronze doors mark the entrance. They are over 20 meters high. Inside, a giant statue of Avalokitesvara rises. It is 35 meters high. A giant Chinese character of Buddha is formed by 999 reliefs on the doors.
Take the elevator to the 7th floor. Walk through the skywalk for a closer look. See the top of this remarkable marvel. From there, a flight of stairs leads to the top of the hill. A bronze statue of five Buddhas overlooks the temple.
Today, the Donglin Temple stands as a testament to resilience. It embodies devotion. It showcases artistic grandeur. Its history whispers through the halls. Its beauty captivates the eye. The Donglin Temple is a spiritual haven. It is a cultural treasure for all to cherish.