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Giant Buddha Temple (Zhangye)

Updated: 2013-11-02
( chinadaily.com.cn )

The Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple) in Zhangye city, about 600 kilometers west of Gansu's provincial capital Lanzhou, is named after a statue worshiped inside. The temple, also known as "Wofo Temple" (Sleeping Buddha Temple), is very famous because it contains the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in all of China. The buddha is 34.5 meter long and its shoulder spans across a width of 7.5 meters. Up to eight people can stand on the ear of the reclining Buddha.

Established in 1098 (Western Xia Dynasty), it was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Due to its extensive history, it is listed as an immovable cultural relic under state protection.Located in the northeast of Zhangye city, Dafo Temple, also known as "Wofo Temple" (Sleeping Buddha Temple) is very famous because it contains the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in all of China. The buddha is 34.5 meter long and its shoulder spans across a width of 7.5 meters. Established in 1098 (Western Xia Dynasty), it was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Due to its extensive history, it is listed as an immovable cultural relic under state protection.

Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple) in Zhangye city, Gansu province. Photo provided to China Daily.

The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye city, about 600 kilometers west of Gansu's provincial capital Lanzhou, is named after a statue worshiped inside. Up to eight people can stand on the ear of the 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha. The statue depicts Sakyamuni's attainment of nirvana. His 10 disciples wear vivid facial expressions behind him.[Photo by Chen Xi/China Daily]