Centuries-old temple remains undisturbed

Lingyan Temple has been one of the four most important temples in China since it was built more than 1,600 years ago in Jinan, Shandong province. Its peak lasted from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it had more than 50 large buildings and over 500 monks.

The temple, which perches in a quiet valley on the north range of Mount Tai, had remained unknown to many until 1982, when it was listed as a key cultural relic site under State protection and was opened to tourists.

Mount Tai became a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site in 1987, and Lingyan Temple is a part of the mountain's cultural heritage. Besides its significance in Buddhist history, the temple has breathtaking natural views at an altitude of 700 meters.