A visit to China is incomplete without stepping into one of its beautiful, serene temples. These are not just historical buildings or tourist attractions; they are active places of worship and quiet contemplation. Whether it’s a Buddhist temple, a Taoist temple, or a Confucian one, a little understanding of the etiquette and symbolism will transform your visit from simple sightseeing into a meaningful cultural experience.
This guide will help you understand what to do, what not to do, and what to look for when you visit a Chinese temple.
Temple Etiquette: How to Be a Respectful Visitor
Remember, you are entering a sacred space. Following these simple rules will show your respect.
- Dress Modestly: This is the most important rule. Avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or tank tops. Your shoulders and knees should be covered. If you’re not dressed appropriately, some larger temples might offer a wrap or shawl to borrow.
- Speak Softly: Temples are places of peace and worship. Keep your voice down and avoid loud conversations. Turn your phone to silent.
- Remove Your Hat: It is a sign of respect to remove your hat or cap before entering the main temple halls.
- Don’t Point: It is considered rude to point at the statues of deities. If you want to indicate a statue, use an open hand gesture instead.
- Ask Before Photographing: While photography is often allowed in the temple grounds, it is frequently forbidden inside the halls where the main statues are housed. Look for signs (usually a camera with a red cross over it). Even if it is allowed, avoid using flash and be mindful not to disturb those who are there to worship.
- Walk Around, Not Through: When you enter a temple hall, you will often see worshippers in the central area. It is polite to walk around the sides of the room rather than cutting directly through the middle.
- Thresholds are Sacred: Temple doorways often have a raised wooden threshold. You should step over it, not on it. These thresholds are there to separate the sacred space from the secular world outside.
What to Look For: A Guide to Temple Symbolism
Chinese temples are rich with symbolism. Knowing what to look for can make your visit much more interesting.
- The Entrance Guardians: At the entrance to many Buddhist temples, you will be greeted by two large, fierce-looking statues. These are the temple guardians, there to protect the sacred space from evil spirits.
- Incense Burners: In the main courtyard, you will see large, ornate bronze vessels filled with sand and smoking incense. Worshippers purchase sticks of incense, light them, bow to the cardinal directions, and place the incense in the burner as an offering.
- The Main Hall (Daxiong Baodian): This is the heart of a Buddhist temple. Inside, you will typically find three large, golden statues of the Buddha. The central figure is usually Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha. The figures on either side can vary, but they often represent Buddhas of the past and future.
- Statues of Bodhisattvas: In other halls, you will find statues of Bodhisattvas—enlightened beings who have delayed their own nirvana to help others. One of the most famous is Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is often depicted as a gentle female figure.
- Offerings: You will see offerings of fruit, flowers, and sometimes money placed before the statues. These are gifts from worshippers to the deities.
- Fortune Telling: In a corner of many temples, you might see people shaking a bamboo container filled with sticks until one falls out. This is a form of fortune-telling. The number on the stick corresponds to a printed fortune that can be interpreted by a temple guide.
By visiting a temple with a quiet sense of respect and an observant eye, you can gain a deeper appreciation for China’s rich spiritual traditions. It’s a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with a more contemplative side of the culture. Happy travels from Panda Trip!
