Temples are significant Buddhist structures. Many cities in China are home to numerous temples, which symbolize the country’s long and rich cultural history. When visiting, it’s important to observe certain temple taboos.
Chinese Temple Taboos:
Proper Address:
For monks in temples, use titles such as “Fashi” (法师) or “Shifu” (师傅).
For the head monk or abbot, use “Zhuchi” (住持) or “Fangzhang” (方丈).
In Tibetan temples, address monks as “Lama” (喇嘛), which means “Fangzhang”.
Respectful Conversation:
Refrain from discussing topics such as killing, marriage, or meat consumption with monks or Daoists, as these subjects may be considered disrespectful.
Appropriate Behavior:
Keep quiet while touring temples. Avoid loud talking, pointing, discussing, mocking, or wandering aimlessly.
Do not touch or deface temple artifacts, especially statues. If a religious ceremony is taking place, stand quietly or leave the area unobtrusively.
Appropriate Dress:
Dress modestly when visiting a temple. Men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts, while women should steer clear of dresses and sleeveless tops. Mini skirts and open-toe sandals are also inappropriate.
Do Not Handle Offerings:
Offerings like fruits, cookies, and flowers are sacred symbols of devotion. Do not take them without permission from temple staff.
No Photography of Statues of God:
Photography, especially with flash, is generally prohibited in temples to protect statues from damage.
Do Not Blow Out Incense:
When lighting incense, avoid blowing it out with your mouth. Instead, extinguish it by gently waving it up and down, which shows respect for the deities.
Do Not Walk in Front of Those Praying:
Avoid walking in front of people who are praying or making offerings. Instead, pass behind them to show respect.
Follow “Enter Left, Exit Right”:
Enter temples from the left side and exit from the right. This tradition reflects the balance between the Yang of the Dragon (青龙) and the Yin of the Tiger (白虎), promoting harmony and balance.
Avoid Stepping on the Threshold:
The threshold of a temple is considered sacred. Stepping on it is seen as disrespectful. Instead, step over the threshold to show reverence.
Famous Temples in China:
White Horse Temple (白马寺) in Luoyang, Henan Province
Shaolin Temple (少林寺) at Mount Song, Zhengzhou, Henan Province
Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Jokhang Temple (大昭寺) in Lhasa, Tibet
Hanshan Temple (寒山寺) in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Famen Temple (法门寺) in Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province
Ta’er Temple (塔尔寺) in Huangzhong District, Xining, Qinghai Province