Ancient China is Just a Step Away

I have driven past the International Buddhist Temple in Richmond, B.C. many times over the years. I’ve eyed the numerous golden slated rooftops replete with traditional Chinese flying eaves from the road. They are hard to miss as they rise-up behind a tall and imposing brick wall that’s topped with scalloped slates made of clay. Such resplendent architecture intrigued me, so I decided an impromptu visit wouldn’t be amiss.
As I drove through the entrance, my initial impression was disbelief. Was I still in Canada or had I gone through a time warp to ancient China?  I had expected a modest temple and a bit of garden, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Buddhist temple is part of a series of buildings - exquisite buildings, modelled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Sadly, the main temple was closed to the public due to Covid, however, there was still plenty to see. Every area was finely detailed to duplicate ancient China.
Traditional Chinese workmanship is seen throughout the complex. The splendid imperial architecture is enhanced by tranquil gardens, simple but elegant water features, immense stone statues, impressive shrines crafted by hand and adorned with symbolic engravings. There's so many artistic elements, including artfully clipped trees, dotted around the property. There's a huge and impressive pond that is replete with a curved Asian bridge, stork statues and a delightful fountain comprised of three large fish spurting water in unison.
Strategically placed throughout the grounds are weirdly shaped limestone boulders, referred to as scholar’s rocks or Gongshi. These naturally occurring rocks have been hollowed out, eroded, pitted and twisted by flowing waters over hundreds of years. They are works of art in their own right, artistically crafted by the gentle but persistent hands of nature.
These serene gardens and majestic imperial structures are a world apart from the busy Steveston Highway outside its grand gates. It’s so serene and tranquil; no traffic can be heard. It’s difficult to imagine that modern day Canada is just a step away.
The International Buddhist Temple is nonprofit society and has won the 125th Centennial Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Canada for their charitable work for people and animals. The temple is the city of Richmond’s ‘Point of Pride’ and has won the Richmond’s Landscape and Garden Contest for over a decade. To go to their website click on The International Buddhist Temple. 

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