The Sleeping Giant of Ganzhou: Exploring Asia's Largest Reclining Buddha at Zhangye Dafo Temple

1.Located in the heart of Ganzhou: District, Zhangye, the Dafo Temple is a sanctuary of history and art along the ancient Hexi Corridor. It is famously home to Asia's largest indoor wooden clay reclining Buddha statue. The temple was originally constructed in 1098 during the Western Xia Dynasty under the Da’an reign. Spanning 23,000 square meters, the site is recognized as a National Major Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a symbol of Silk Road heritage. The Great Buddha Hall features a 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha, meticulously crafted from a wooden frame with clay molding. Murals within the halls depict vibrant Buddhist stories and provide a window into the intricate cross-cultural history of the region. Historical accounts suggest the temple was established after a high monk discovered a buried gold Buddha statue at this very site. The architecture is distinguished by its heavy wooden beams and the colorful blue, green, and red paint used to decorate the eaves. Three tall, ancient spruce trees stand prominently in front of the main hall, adding to the temple’s solemn atmosphere. Within the temple grounds, visitors can also find Mongolian yurts and a statue of Genghis Khan, reflecting the temple's historical connection to the Mongol empire. The temple also serves as a repository for over 6,000 volumes of precious Ming Dynasty sutras written in gold ink, known as the "Great Ming San Zang". It remains a vital record of the historical exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations during the Silk Road era.