Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion
Xishuangbanna, China
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.
