Fo Guang Shan He Hua is a picturesque Buddhist temple situated on Zeedijk in Amsterdam's bustling Chinatown, the largest Chinese neighbourhood of Continental Europe, established in 1911.
The temple, which opened at the turn of the 21st century, is Europe's largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastery and the buildings adjoining it house an abbot and four female monks, together with a library. It is built on the site of a former cloister dating back to 1475 in the middle ages, the last remnants of which were demolished in 1944 when its Jewish owners were deported.
Known in English as Buddha Light Mountain or Lotus-flower Temple, the building has been constructed in typical Chinese style with colourful walls and a red slated roof adorned with animals representing the Chinese Zodiac, and a dragon which supposedly protects the premises. It is devoted to Guan Yin (The wise one full of mercy), a female Buddha. The main hall has an aura of serenity and houses three altars. The two large pagoda-shaped towers house hundreds of miniature illuminated buddhas. The temple plays a major role in Chinese festive celebrations. Visitors are welcome to look around, but please remain silent. Admission is free but donations are always welcome. Primarily a place of meditation, guided tours can be organised. The temple also hosts various activities, including a free calligraphy workshop. Entering from the busy Zeedijk with its numerous restaurants and cafes, stepping into the temple is like entering into a different world - an oasis of...
Read moreThe Chinese He Hua Temple in Amsterdam
The Chinese He Hua Temple in Amsterdam is a temple that was built in 2000 by the Chinese Buddhist Association.
The temple is located in the city center of Amsterdam, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The temple is open to the public, and visitors can take tours of the facility and participate in religious ceremonies.
The Chinese He Hua Temple is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
The Zeedijk in Rotlichtviertel is home to the Chinese He Hua Temple.
Zeedijk used to be the main street in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, and the temple is one of the oldest buildings in the area.
The Zeedijk runs from the Nieuwmarkt to the Central station, and the temple is located on the eastern end of the street.
It is a place of worship for Buddhists, and it is also used as a...
Read moreIn the heart of Amsterdam, the Zeedijk boasts a real Buddhist temple. Special roof tiles and traditional ornamentation for the temple were flown in straight from China. The Buddhist temple serves as a meditation centre. Organised services, guided tours are courses are also offered here.The animals on the roof represent the Chinese Zodiac. The dragon is thought to protect the entire temple grounds. The buildings flanking the temple house the Buddhist nuns and a library. The characteristic architecture of these buildings makes for an unusual juxtaposition with the typical Dutch buildings...
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