Combining the religious and cultural practices of the Dai and Hani people of China is the unique Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. It is not only a place of worship since ancient times but also a Buddhist learning center and seat of knowledge. Senior monks come here to chant the sutras, meditate, offer penance, and hold religious meetings. The architecture of this eight-sided Pavilion is very ornate for a Buddhist temple. Colorful reliefs of birds and flowers are patterned on the walls. The tiles on the roof are arranged in a unique pattern so that they resemble the Sakyamuni Buddha’s hair from afar.
