Zeedijk, in the very heart of Amsterdam, boasts a real Buddhist temple. The bluestone steps of the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple lead to the prayer room. Special roof tiles and many characteristic ornaments were flown in especially from China for this temple.
NUNS
The animals on the roof represent the Chinese Zodiac. The dragon stands for the protection of the temple and the quarter. The buildings to the left and the right of the temple house the Buddhist nuns and a library. The architecture of these buildings makes for an unusual transition between the Chinese temple and the Dutch buildings adjoining it.
CHINATOWN
The temple is located in the Amsterdam Chinatown quarter. Chinatown is the area between Stormsteeg, Gelderse Kade and Zeedijk. The quarter is well known for its Nieuwmarktplein square, Waag weighing house and many Chinese restaurants and unusual shops. For a few days between January 21 and February 20 Chinatown goes wild. During this period the Chinese New Year is celebrated with loud bangs and the traditional Lion Dance. |
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