Kumarajiva Temple, experience the most prosperous incense on the Silk Road

The ancient Silk Road was a route for cultural and commercial exchanges between the East and the West, as well as a path for diplomatic interactions between countries, and a route for religious exchanges and dissemination. Many cities in Gansu Province have large-scale and long-standing temples, among which the Kumarajiva Temple in Wuwei is very famous. 【Scenic Area Introduction】 Kumarajiva Temple was first built during the Later Liang period. The pagoda and temple were greatly expanded during the Tang Dynasty, and were repaired during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was built to commemorate the Western Region monk Kumarajiva for his contributions in promoting Buddhism and translating scriptures. It has a history of more than 1600 years and is a precious relic for studying the culture of the Five Liang, Chinese Buddhism, and Western Region Buddhism. In 1927, a magnitude 8 earthquake struck Wuwei, damaging many historical sites, and the Kumarajiva Temple was not spared, with only half of the ancient pagoda remaining. In 1934, the government rebuilt the Kumarajiva Temple on the original site. 【Main Attractions】 Kumarajiva Pagoda, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Great Sutra Hall, Kumarajiva Memorial Hall, Kumarajiva Library, Buddhist Relics Exhibition Room, Buddhist Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition Room, Guest Hall, Yunshui Hall, etc. Kumarajiva Temple is currently the largest Buddhist activity center in Northwest China. 1. Kumarajiva Pagoda. A provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in Gansu Province, the pagoda is 33 meters high and has 12 octagonal layers. Pagoda doors are set on the third, fifth, eighth, and twelfth layers. Inside the twelfth layer pagoda door, there is a small Buddha niche with a golden Buddha enshrined. Inside the pagoda, there is a statue of Kumarajiva, a set of the Tripitaka, and a scroll of the 'Amitabha Sutra' translated by Kumarajiva engraved on stone. The original Mahavira Hall was damaged, and the current hall is newly built, featuring dragon stone pillars carved in an openwork style. 2. Murals. On the main wall of the Buddha Hall in Kumarajiva Temple, there is a mural of the 'Infinite Life Sutra Transformation,' which is a replica of a mural from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. It partially retains the style of the Mogao Caves but also incorporates new elements. The wall paintings are similar to the original but different upon closer inspection. 🚗 【Address】 No. 139, Beidajie, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City. Opening hours: 09:00—17:00. Ticket information: Free. 【Tour Time】 About one hour. Mainly visit the Kumarajiva Pagoda, a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The stone pagoda has exquisite brick carvings that can be admired by walking around it. Inside the mountain gate, there is a white marble Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue, which is very exquisitely made. Additionally, there is the Mahavira Hall that can be visited and toured. 🌈 【Notes】 1. Kumarajiva Temple is not only a cultural relic protection unit and historical site but also a place of faith for the local people in Wuwei. Currently, no tickets are required, and many locals come here to pray, so please respect their beliefs and maintain solemnity. 2. The temple holds a vegetarian meal ceremony at noon every day, where monks or volunteers invite visitors to receive vegetarian meals. If interested, you can try it. If not, please decline politely. 3. There is a parking lot near Kumarajiva Temple with a moderate number of parking spaces. You can navigate to the parking lot and avoid parking on the roadside. 4. The scenic area is close to Wuwei Confucian Temple and Wuwei Western Xia Museum, which can be visited together. 🌠