The last Chinese dynasty the Qing Dynasty was from 1644 to 1912. Preceding the Ming Dynasty, it was a period during which many temples were built. Built during the end of the Ming Dynasty the Dabei Buddhist Temple had its golden age during the Qing Dynasty and functioned as a Buddhist monastery. The temple also once kept the holy ashes of monk Xuanzang; some say that it wasn’t holy ashes but head bone relics of the monk.
Located in Heibei district of Ianjin City, the temple receives its name from the Daci Dabei Kwan-yin statue it holds. The temple can be divided into 2 segments, one which was built during the Qing Dynasty and the other in 1940. Walking inside the temple, one comes across so many exquisite ancient statues, sculpted from metals like bronze and iron as well as from wood or stone. The temple artifacts include sculptures of Sakyamuni, Kwan-yin, Manjusri and Samantabhadra.
The statue of Sakyamuni measures approximately seven metres in height and has 1,000 Buddha statues carved on the lotus throne. Kwan-yin is also a spectacular statue with eyes that have a front and back as well as left and right view and also twenty four arms.
There are many other equally interesting sites in Tianjin and visiting them takes considerable time, thereby it would be best to stay in Tianjin so as to be able to view these at your leisure. Fortunately Tianjin Accommodation is mostly of very high standards. Apart from hotels and small lodges or guest houses, Tianjin apartment is another category that is becoming increasingly popular. Somerset Youyi Tianjin is one suggestion for a serviced apartment with modern conveniences, pleasant interior and good service.Another famous attraction of Tianjin is one of the most popular Chinese historical sites; the Huangyaguan Pass of the Great Wall of China. You can also visit an architectural structure that has withstood 28 earthquakes and all kinds of weather changes, it is one of the oldest timber structure and widely known as the Dual Temple. While you’re in Tianjin make sure that you go back in time by visiting the ancient cultural street.
