Exploring China: Fuzhou, southern gem and capital of Maritime Silk Road

Xichan Temple

This temple, which was first built in 581 and again revived in the Tang Dynasty in 867, has recently been repaired and in part reconstructed. It is one of five Buddhist temples in Fuzhou and consists of a total of 38 buildings hosting multiple cultural treasures, including pavilions, halls and a dagoba, as well as lakes, bridges and a garden, covering an area of 7.7 hectares. It also includes a giant pagoda towering the whole complex as well as a large statue of Matreiya on the lake. The stone bridge over the lake leads us to a small but pretty garden area with banyans and bamboo which concludes at the main six-story hall, which is home to distinct statues of 600 arhats.