The temple is an important component of China's Buddhist architecture. It was introduced from India and mushroomed in China in the period of Northern Wei Dynasty. These buildings reflect social change and the development of religion in the feudal society. They have great historical and artistic value.

The ancient people believed in the concept of Yin and Yang and worshiped balance and symmetry. For this reason, Buddhist temples in China are laid out on a central axis and are symmetrical, and highly organized. The garden-style structure is also widely used in Chinese temples. The two layouts make temples solemn, elegant and lively.

The entrance in front of the temple is the Mountain Gate. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are found on opposite sides after entering the gate. A pathway leads through the middle to the Heavenly Kings Hall. Four fierce-looking Heavenly Kings stand into two groups on each side. Behind them are the Main Buddha Hall and the Library Hall. Monk's residence rooms and dining halls are located on the side. The Main Buddha Hall is the biggest and most important building in the Buddhist temple.

White Horse Temple of Luoyang

The White Horse Temple, built in Luoyang, Henan province in the Han Dynasty, is the earliest temple built by government. The temple is rectangular and covers an area of 40,000 square meters.
White Horse Temple had helped promote Buddhism in China and in eastern and southeastern Asian regions. Buddhism disciples from many countries still consider the White Horse Temple the sacred place to worship.

Hanging Temple on the Hengshan Mountain

The Hanging Temple on the Hengshan Mountain in Shanxi province is situated against steep rock on the top and faces a steep valley. This type of structure is rarely seen in Chinese architecture. The Hanging Temple is located halfway through Jinlong valley on the west side. It's about 3.5 kilometers south of Hunyuan county. It is the only wood building built on cliff in China. The Hanging Temple, was built during the North Wei dynasty and was renovated in the dynasties of Tang, Jin, Ming and Qing. It is the most amazing sight on the Hengshan mountain.

The Potala Palace

Lamaism is one school of Buddhism in China. The Lamaist temples feature a big hall and a tall chanting room and most buildings were built against mountains. The Potala Palace in Lahsa city, Tibet is a typical Lamaist temple. First built in the Tang dynasty, the palace has been renovated several times before taking its current shape.  The Potala Palace was built against mountains in a magnificent stair-shape. It covers an area of over 20,000 square meters and has more than 20 halls inside. In the main hall, worshippers pay tribute to a gilded copper statue of a young Buddha Shakyamuni.

The Potala Palace took a typical style of architecture from the Tang Dynasty and incorporated design elements from Nepal and India.

Apart from the Potala Palace, the Outer Eight Temple in Chengde and the Lamasery of Harmony and Peace in Beijing are both famous Lamaism buildings.