Nha Trang Travel: The Imperially Bestowed Long Son Pagoda
🌈 Long Son Pagoda is said to have been built in the 19th century, but some claim it's associated with Emperor Kangxi, which would push the timeline back by over a hundred years. The truth is a matter of debate. However, it's certain that "imperially bestowed" usually means the temple was named by an emperor's decree. 🌈 The main hall is quite deep, and visitors must remove their shoes before entering. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside. I saw several Korean aunties praying devoutly, which shows the significant influence of Buddhism in Asia. 🌈 It's called a Chinese-style temple because Chinese cultural elements are visible throughout. The back of the mountain gate has the Chinese characters "Imperially Bestowed Long Son Pagoda," and the main hall has a typical Chinese hip-and-gable roof structure. The couplets in the hall are written in Chinese, and there are many dragon patterns outside the hall, possibly due to the imperial bestowal. The merit tower in front of the main hall is also engraved with Chinese names. 🌈 The most iconic structure of Long Son Pagoda is the 24-meter tall Buddha statue at the top of the temple, sitting on a white lotus, compassionately watching over all beings. At around three in the afternoon, looking up from the left side of the statue, the Buddha coincides with the sun, and under the faintly shining Buddha light, the statue appears even more majestic, solemn, and dignified. 🌈 There's a small path to the right from the lower hall that leads up the mountain, where it's said there's a lifelike reclining Buddha. Unfortunately, we missed it. 🌈 Nha Trang's weather is hot, and there are people selling coconut jelly both at the foot and on the mountain, for 25,000 Vietnamese Dong each, which is a great way to cool off. 🌈 This Chinese Buddhist temple located in southern Vietnam also, in a sense, bears witness to the history of unity and separation between China and Vietnam, making it worth a visit. #TempleBlessing #NhaTrangTravel #LongSonPagoda #MyTravelDiary
