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Putuo Zongsheng Temple

Located to the north of the Imperial Summer Villa (Bishu shanzhuang), the Temple for Potarka Doctrine (Putuo zongshengzhi miao), was built in 1767. It is the largest of the eight remaining outer temples in Chengde, with an area of 220,000 square meters. Despite much renovation, it is still possible to understand the awe that visiting dignitaries, mainly from the far western provinces and Mongolia, felt for the temple.

The temple itself was designed as a replica of Lhasa's Potala Palace, in miniature. Most of the 60 or so halls that make up the complex are kept to this Tibetan style, and apart from the dark red main building, most of the buildings are with white walls and flat roofs. The temple was originally built for minority group leaders from all over China to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), and it came to serve as the locale for religious ceremonies and as the meeting point for Qing emperor's to meet minority dignitaries.

How to get there: Head up the road from the Northwest Gate of the Villa, over the river until you reach Shizigou lu. Turn right and the temple is located between the Shuxiang Temple and the Xumifushouzhi Temple, about 600 meters down this road.