Monasteries and Temples

Diverse monasteries and Buddhist temples from Asia, showcasing unique architectural styles and religious significance.

Mongolia, Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery. Located in the Orkhon valley in northern Ovorkhangai, Karakorum was formerly a great capital city built by Ogodei Khan, Genghis successor and third son, in 1235. Erdene Zuu means Precious Buddha, since the main object of veneration at Erdene Zuu is the Zandan Zuu, Sandlewood Buddha.

Mongolia, Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery. Located in the Orkhon valley in northern Ovorkhangai, Karakorum was formerly a great capital city built by Ogodei Khan, Genghis successor and third son, in 1235. Erdene Zuu means Precious Buddha, since the main object of veneration at Erdene Zuu is the Zandan Zuu, Sandlewood Buddha.

A picture of the colorful Thean Hou Temple

KOREA, SEOUL, SUSONG-DONG, CHOGAESA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Vietnam, Da Nang, Pho Da, pagoda, , buddhist temple,

Drupin monastery, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India Copyright: xJagannathxRaul/DinodiaxPhotox

Asia, China, Sichuan, Huanglong NP. Entrance to Huanglong Temple (Chinese under grid reads different in view from left and right. Left view: Wide open mountain and emerald water.)

Shrine

Thean Hou Temple A picture of the colorful Thean Hou Temple. Copyright: xZoonar.com/BrunoxCoelhox 22040511

Asia, Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar. Monastery of Religion.

Large incense coils hang from the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Hok Huang Kong, Chinese temple, Phuket Town, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia

Beautiful Elegant double golden dragon statue on the roof of on a temple for Chinese New Year Festival at Chinese shrine with blue sky.

Buddhist temple, Nanshan Temple, Sanya, Hainan, China, Asia

Jokhang Temple, the most revered religious structure in Tibet, Lhasa, Tibet, China, Asia

Stone statue of Gwanseeum-bosal at Sanbangsa Temple. Also known as Guanyin or Guanshiyin , is the Goddess of mercy, influenced from Chinese folk religion. Widely worship in the East & South East Asia

Kuan Yim Shrine, Thian Fah Foundation A picture of the colorful Kuan Yim Shrine, part of the Thian Fah Foundation, in the Chinatown of Bangkok. Copyright: xZoonar.com/BrunoxCoelhox 21649118

metal forged incense altar in front of buddhist temple

Shaolin is a Buddhist monastery in central China. Located on Songshan Mountain. Shaolin is a Buddhist monastery in central China.

Flags on Buddha Tooth Relic temple, Singapore, Republic of Singapore

RUSSIA, SIBERIA, NEAR ULAN UDE, IVOLGINSKIY MONASTERY, BUDDHIST

China - Jiangsu - Nanjing. Buddhist Jiming Temple

Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar, Gandan Monastery, Janraisig Temple

Wutai Shan, Shanxi Province, China, Asia

Interior of Chinese temple in Sibu, a port on the Rajang River in Sarawak, north west Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

LAOS, LUANG PRABANG, TEMPLE, VAT XIENG THONG RAT SAVORAVIHANH, BUDDHA

Praying man at chinese pagoda at Cholon, Saigon, Hoh Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Asia

The Naxi or Nakhi are an ethnic group inhabiting the foothills of the Himalayas in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, as well as the southwestern part of Sichuan Province in China. The Naxi are thought to have come originally from Tibet and, until recently, maintained overland trading links with Lhasa and India. The Naxi form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The Naxi are traditionally followers of the Dongba religion. Through both Han Chinese and Tibetan cultural influences, they adopted Tibetan Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Taoism, in the 10th century. The Old Town of Lijiang dates back more than 800 years and was once an important town on the old Tea Horse Road.

China, Lei Yin Si temple; Gansu

San Chao Saeng Tham is a Taoist Chinese temple in Phuket's old town in the south of Thailand. Taoism, or Daoism, refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions that have influenced the people of Eastern Asia for more than two millennia. They also notably influenced the Western world, particularly since the 19th century. The word Tao translates as 'path' or 'way'. It carries more abstract, spiritual meanings in folk religion and Chinese philosophy. Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation and humility, while Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, the relationship between humanity and the cosmos; health and longevity; and 'wu wei' (action through inaction). Harmony with the universe is the intended result of many Taoist rules and practices. Reverence for ancestor spirits and immortals is common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some profes

Giant white buddha sculpture, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, South Central Vietnam, Southeast Asia

Asia, Russia, The Ivolginsky Datsan Buddhist monastery. This centre of Russian Buddhism stands on a wide plain outside the city of Ulan Ude.

Confucius Temple, Shandong Province, China. Chinese characters say big temple

The Temple of Confucius, Tainan, Taiwan, Asia,

Taipei City, Taiwan - 12 April 2025: View of the Songshan Ciyou Temple interior, bathed in warm light from red lanterns, casting shadows on the ornate decorations and worshippers.

Buddhist temple

Interior of a Chinese place of worship

Asia, China, Zhujiajiao ('Venice of the East'), City God Temple, Red Ribbons of Wish to a Higher Power

RIOSTRAS(ESCULTURAS)DE ANIMALES FANTASTICOS Y DIVINIDADES. Location: TEMPLO DEVI MANDIR. KATMANDU.

The Sengze Gyanak Mani Wall, the longest prayer wheel wall in the world, along the Sichuan-Tibet trunk road between Yushu and Xiewu, Qinghai province, China, Asia

Chinese temple in Sibu, main port city on the Rejang River, Sarawak, island of Borneo, Malaysia, Asia

Tibet, Shigatse, the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is a Chinese temple practicing the Three Doctrinal Systems of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, Malacca, Melaka, Malaysia.

The Naxi or Nakhi are an ethnic group inhabiting the foothills of the Himalayas in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, as well as the southwestern part of Sichuan Province in China. The Naxi are thought to have come originally from Tibet and, until recently, maintained overland trading links with Lhasa and India. The Naxi form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The Naxi are traditionally followers of the Dongba religion. Through both Han Chinese and Tibetan cultural influences, they adopted Tibetan Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Taoism, in the 10th century. The Old Town of Lijiang dates back more than 800 years and was once an important town on the old Tea Horse Road.

Manjushri, Wenshu, symbolic animal decoration, Shuxiang Temple, Monastery, Wutai Shan, Five Terrace Mountain, Buddhist Centre, bell, town of Taihuai, Shanxi province, China, Asia

India, Sikkim, Pemayangtse Gompa, Buddhist monastery

Ceremonial throne in Junghwajeon Hall, Deoksugung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

Lanterns decorations at chinese Thean Hou Temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu and Guan Yin. Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia.

Buddhist prayer sticks in chinese temple

Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Asia

A hidden shrine is lit with afternoon light in Japan.

Monks ascending temple stairs on a sunny day

Ciyou Temple, Taipei - Taiwan Ciyou taoist temple at night. Copyright: xZoonar.com/RolandxNagyx 7742959

Shaolin is a Buddhist monastery in central China. Located on the mountain. Shaolin is a Buddhist monastery

Japan, Kyoto, Heian Jingu Shrine, people

Tibetian buddhist temple on the top of hill in Shangri-La, China

Part of the 245 foot long prayer wheel wall and Buddhist Stupas built by the Mangyul Kyidong Welfare Association, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu city, Nepal, Asia.

Ornate shrine with warrior deity at Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong

Asia,Malaysia, Penang, Georgetown, Chinese temple, architecture detail,

Todai-ji shrine, biggest buda sculpture

THAILAND BANGKOK CHINA TOWN KUAN YIM SHRINE the Kuan Yim Shrine, Thian Fah Foundation in China Town in the city of Bangkok in Thailand. Thailand, Bangkok, November, 8, 2023 Copyright: xZoonar.com/URSx 21528589

Asia, Korea, Seoul,

Pagoda with incense hanging from the ceiling. Hoi An. Tet Festival, New Year celebration. Vietnam.

Tourists in a temple, Da Zhao Temple, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China

Wannian Si (Long Life Temple) dates originally from the 4th century CE, but underwent major reconstruction in the 9th century. However, only one building remains from the Ming Dynasty (1601), the Brick Hall. This is the oldest temple on the mountain. At 3,099 metres (10,167 ft), Mt. Emei is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The patron bodhisattva of Emei is Samantabhadra, known in Chinese as Puxian. 16th and 17th century sources allude to the practice of martial arts in the monasteries of Mount Emei.

Thean Hou Temple at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia temple Chinese vintage style of Buddhism

Temple square with main building, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China, Asia

China, Beijing. Incense burning in White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan) tended by Taoist monks and founded in AD 739 with todays buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Sangingge Temple - Western Hills in Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China

Baoguo Si (Declare Nation Temple), at the foot of Mount Emei, was first constructed in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). At 3,099 metres (10,167 ft), Mt. Emei is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The patron bodhisattva of Emei is Samantabhadra, known in Chinese as Puxian. 16th and 17th century sources allude to the practice of martial arts in the monasteries of Mount Emei.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka, Malaysia, Asia

Majestic lion statue stands guard at a traditional Chinese temple

Traditional indian buddhistic monastery. In India, state Sikkim

Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Plateau, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Toshogu Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Kanto, Honshu, Japan, Asia Copyright: MichaelxRunkel 1184-11831

Hindu Temple at this tourist park with a peace tower, worship houses of five major religions and volcanic fumaroles, Bukit Kasih, Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Drums and bell in buddhist temple in Patan, Nepal

Lama temple

Monk's robe, habit hung over wooden wall in a temple complex, teak stupa, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma), Southeast Asia

Thailand, Pattaya: Temple Wat Viharnra Sien

Taipei City, Taiwan - 11 April 2025: View of Longshan Temple's vibrant red gateway, where intricate carvings meet golden shrines under the soft glow of lanterns.

Asia, Southeast Asia, Singapore, the temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha, Chinese neighborhood

Asia,Singapore, Chinatown, Thian Hock Keng Temple,

China - Jiangsu - Nanjing. The Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao). Believers praying in front of Confucius statue

Jinzhong, China - 29 October 2025: View of the intricately decorated gate, alive with people, its vibrant colors standing out against the sky.

Nikko, Toshogu Shrine wet rainy atmosphere at the place of famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan Copyright: xZoonar.com/YuryxZapx 9647713

China, Beijing. Incense burning in White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan) tended by Taoist monks and founded in AD 739 with todays buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Jokhang Tempel, Lhasa, Tibet, Asien*Jokhang temple, Lhasa, Tibet, Asia

Shrine, 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China

Colorful silk noren curtains hang under the eaves at Myoshinji Temple, located in the northern area of Kyoto, Japan.

Carvings on a memorial plaque in front of a pagoda, Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam

June 25, 2014 Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan : Shinagawa Jinja or Shinagawa Shrine, built in 1187 as a residence of god Amanohiranomenomikoto. Also one of Tokyo-jissha (ten shrines of Tokyo), designated by Emperor Meiji.

Lhasa wall of 1000 Buddahs at Linkor

Vietnam, Da Nang. Historic village of Hoi An. Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation. Colorful Chinese temple. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mu's were an influential Muslim family during the Ming Dynasty. They were responsible for protecting the empire's borders in Southwest China. The Naxi or Nakhi are an ethnic group inhabiting the foothills of the Himalayas in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, as well as the southwestern part of Sichuan Province in China. The Naxi are thought to have come originally from Tibet and, until recently, maintained overland trading links with Lhasa and India. The Naxi form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The Naxi are traditionally followers of the Dongba religion. Through both Han Chinese and Tibetan cultural influences, they adopted Tibetan Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Taoism, in the 10th century. The Old Town of Lijiang dates back more than 800 years and was once an important town on the old Tea Horse Road.

Japan, Shikoku, Matsuyama, Isaniwa Shrine, shinto, religion

Incense burner at temple at Laoshan near Qingdao Burning incense at Temple of Supreme Purity or Tai Qing Gong at Laoshan Copyright: xZoonar.com/StevexHeapx 13024405

asia bangkok in temple thailand abstract cross colors roof wat and colors religion mosaic sunny

Koxinga shrine and tourists at the courtyard of a temple, Tainan, Republic of China, Taiwan, Asia

China, Beijing. The Great Wall of China at Juyongguan in the Jundu Mountains at Juyong Pass. Zhenwu Temple c. 1425 AD, Ming Dynasty. Incense burner in temple courtyard. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Detail of a Small Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, Japan

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