Green Dragon Temple, Xian

The Qinglong Si, also known as the Green Dragon Temple, dates back to the Tang Dynasty era, spanning from 618 to 907. This temple gained renown as a training hub for Buddhist monks and became a sought-after learning center for Japanese monks eager to study Buddhism. Its prominence in Japan is largely attributed to the Japanese monk Kukai, who studied there in 806 and played a pivotal role in popularizing Buddhism in Japan upon his return.

The original structure of the temple was destroyed, leading to the construction of a new one in 1963. Today, the temple, along with its gardens and halls, is a popular site, especially among Japanese tourists. They are particularly drawn to the cherry trees that blossom from March to May, varying slightly each year due to climatic changes.

In close proximity to the temple, there's a monument dedicated to Kukai, built recently, along with exhibition halls, remnants of Tang-era artifacts, and the picturesque cherry trees. The temple complex is divided into three main areas. The first includes a pond and a garden adorned with plum and cherry trees. The eastern section houses a memorial for Kukai, established in 1982 to mark the 1178th anniversary of his arrival in China.

The western part features a replica of the temple’s main hall, a collaborative project between Japan's Shingon Sect and the city of Xi'an, initiated in 1984. This hall was reconstructed to mirror the original Tang-era design, as determined by archaeological findings. The Shingon religion, founded by Kukai, continues to be a significant religious practice in Japan.