Start here · Essential guide
Exploring the Buddhist Heritage of China
How Buddhism travelled to China along the Silk Road, grew into distinct Chinese schools, and where visitors can still see that history at temples, caves and mountains.
East Asia
Buddhist China
Chinese Buddhist history, caves and sacred mountains, with Mongolia.
A Journey to the Birthplace of Zen Buddhism: China
Zen grew out of Chinese Chan, which drew on Indian meditation Buddhism. Learn why its origins are debated and which Chan sites, including Shaolin, visitors can see.
Discovering the Ancient Buddhist Art of the Longmen Grottoes
An introduction to the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang: the carved caves, the great Fengxian Temple Buddha group, how they are dated, and tips for visitors.
Discovering the Hidden Buddhist Sites of Mongolia: A Pilgrimage to the Gobi Desert
Mongolia is a separate country from China. Learn about its Tibetan Buddhist heritage, the Gobi monastery of Khamaryn Khiid, the post-1990 revival, and remote-travel cautions.
Pure Land Devotion in Chinese Temples
What Pure Land Buddhism and Amitabha recitation are, where the tradition came from in China, and how visitors may encounter the practice in Chinese temples.
The Forgotten City of Kucha: A Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in China
Kucha was an oasis kingdom on the Silk Road in what is now Xinjiang. Learn about its Kizil Caves murals, its role in translating Buddhism into Chinese, and travel cautions.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Buddhist Sites of China
A look at China's four sacred Buddhist mountains and their bodhisattvas, plus the White Horse Temple, with notes on altitude, stairs and respectful visiting.
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