Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple: A Journey Through Time

Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is a treasure trove of history! Visiting the temple is like traveling back in time to the Western Xia Dynasty. Despite the passage of time, the temple still exudes a unique charm. Every brick, tile, plant, and tree tells a story of the past, waiting for you to listen. The temple's main attraction is the giant reclining Buddha statue in the Great Buddha Hall. The statue is 34.5 meters long and 7.5 meters wide at the shoulders. The Buddha's serene expression and half-closed eyes seem to gaze down upon the world. The statue is so large that a person could lie down on one of its fingers, and ten people could sit side by side on one of its ears. The scale of the statue is truly awe-inspiring! In addition to the reclining Buddha, the hall also features statues of the ten disciples, the eighteen arhats, and murals depicting scenes from Journey to the West and Classic of Mountains and Seas. Each piece is a masterpiece! The biggest surprise is the Buddhist History Exhibition Hall behind the Great Buddha Hall, which houses a replica of the "Golden Pagoda Temple" special cave. The Golden Pagoda Temple Grottoes are a masterpiece of the Northern Liang period and are known as the "special cave among special caves." The replica cave features a central pagoda-style cave with three tiers of niches on each side, filled with lifelike clay and stone sculptures of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, disciples, and flying deities. The sculptures' thin, soft clothing and smooth, flowing lines convey a sense of devotion and craftsmanship from a thousand years ago. It's truly a journey through time! The architecture of the Giant Buddha Temple blends various cultural elements, offering a sense of history and cultural fusion. Strolling along the temple's paths or sitting quietly in front of the hall brings a moment of peace to the soul. 📍Address: No. 64, Giant Buddha Temple Lane, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City (also known as No. 28, Minzhu West Street, Ganzhou District, or Giant Buddha Temple Lane, Minzhu West Street, Ganzhou District). 💴Tickets: ✅Adult ticket: CNY 40 per person. ✅Student ticket: CNY 20 per person. Full-time primary, secondary, and university students (excluding adult education and graduate students) can purchase tickets with a student ID or school introduction letter. ✅Free admission: Children 1.2 meters and under; seniors aged 70 and over with a senior citizen card or ID card. ✅Discounts: Seniors aged 60 to 69 with a senior citizen card or ID card; people with disabilities with a disability certificate; active military personnel with a military officer certificate.