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Situated at the foot of
Wulao Peak on the southern end of Xiamen
is South Putuo Temple, first built during
the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Later rebuilt
during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it
is now an imposing multi-layered trapezoidal
structure that overlooks the sea. The Shrine
of Buddhist Scriptures houses a huge collection
of Buddhist cultural relics, including a
Burmese jade carving of the Buddha and many
important Buddhist texts. The temple's Heavenly
King Hall, the main prayer hall, the Hall
of Great Compassion and the Shrine of Buddhist
Scriptures are all graced with painted brackets
and upturned eaves. Its rare artifacts include
four giant stone turtles lying on the right
side of the front gate, a rock with holes
in the shape of a Chinese ancient coin,
a large Song-dynasty bronze bell and a white
porcelain sculpture of Guanyin, the Goddess
of Mercy. The South Fujian Buddhist Institute
is located to the left of the temple. Established
in 1925, it enjoys great prestige among
Buddhists in China.
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