Xiamen's Lesser-Known Temple | Meishan Temple

Xiamen's Hidden Gem | Meishan Temple. Few visitors, stunning scenery, and a photographer's paradise. When it comes to Tong'an, Xiamen, most people's first thoughts are probably of attractions like Fantawild and Tong'an Film City. However, Meishan Temple, a millennium-old temple that was established during the Sui Dynasty and is one of the three ancient temples of Tong'an along with Huangfo Temple and Lushan Brahma Temple, is less known. Now that we've stepped into this sacred land, let's delve into the stories of Meishan Temple! Meishan Temple, established during the Sui Dynasty, houses a white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is said to be the largest Burmese white jade Buddha statue in China. The statue weighs 65 tons, stands 9 meters tall, and is carved from translucent Burmese jade over two years at a cost of over 4.7 million yuan. The white jade is warm and smooth, outlined in pure gold and adorned with gemstones, creating a stunning spectacle. The Buddha sits on a lotus pedestal, his benevolent gaze overlooking all beings, exuding a solemn and precious aura. Due to the warm and delicate texture of Burmese jade, the jade Buddha statue feels more warm and approachable than those made of gold. The origin of the jade Buddha statue at Meishan Temple is said to have a story. It is said that the abbot of Meishan Temple, Master Ciming, became a monk at the age of 13. During his practice in Qinghai, he often dreamed of running up a mountain with a jade Buddha on his back. In 1990, Master Ciming came to Meishan Temple and found that the mountainous terrain of the temple was very similar to the mountain in his dream. So, he settled down here and made a vow to enshrine a large jade Buddha in the temple. In 2004, Master Ciming went to Burma in search of a jade Buddha. By a stroke of fate, he unearthed a piece of jade under an old tree root. The jade, hidden deep under the old tree root, weighed over 300 tons. After careful polishing, over 200 tons of jade took shape. This massive piece of jade was cut into four pieces and transported back to Xiamen after more than half a year of bumpy travel. More than 40 skilled craftsmen spent two years carving it into the largest white jade Buddha in the country. (The above text is excerpted from "The Amazing Meishan Temple, Home to Two of the Country's Largest - Stone Gate and Burmese White Jade Buddha Statue") Here, not only is there a long history, but every corner is also perfect for photography. Whether you're here to hear stories or take photos, it's worth a visit.