Auckland city, also famously known as the “City of Sails”, boasts of beautifully crafted yachts that are world-famous and much-loved by locals and tourists from around the world. Auckland is also the most populous urban area in the country, and it is also the largest Polynesian-populated city in the world. When visiting this unique metropolis that has gained such renown in the Southern Hemisphere, be sure to stop by the Auckland Civic Theater, Harbor Bridge, Eden Park and the Fo Guan Shan Buddhist temple, as these are some of Auckland’s most favorite tourist hot spots.
The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple is a place exhibiting splendid artwork and ingenious infrastructure, whilst emanating an aura of peace and serenity. This temple complex was built over seven years at a stunning cost of around NZ$ 20 million. The planning of this temple has been inspired by the Tang Dynasty which was an imperial dynasty of China and spanned 618-906. This splendid edifice boasts green glazed tiles that cover the slanted roofs, which are tilted at the four corners giving it the exact architectural resemblance of ancient Chinese buildings.
Every detail of the temple courtyard serves to evoke and portray the sweet serenity that Buddhism is based on and brings a sense of peace and complete fulfillment to the soul. The stone lanterns lining the courtyard and the vast spread of pine trees, cherry blossoms, willows and bamboo tress combine to create an amazing atmosphere within the temple surroundings that is simply ideal to engage in some meditation or deep reflection. This spiritual centre is also famed for its teachings of Humanistic Buddhism, where people are thought to live good lives through education. The temple has also provided community courses such as Chinese calligraphy, Chinese language, Yoga, and martial arts.
Travellers should seek quality Auckland city hotel venues that are located in the heart of the city, as these properties would easy access to some of the city’s best hotspots with minimal reliance on public transport. If you want to go on a shopping spree in Queens Street or visit the Auckland University, Vector Arena or the bustling Central Business District, then book your next stay at a central Auckland hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Auckland City and travel with ease and less hassle.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.
