Explore the "Little Potala Palace" | Chengde World Heritage Site: Putuo Zongcheng Temple

You don't have to go to Tibet to see the Potala Palace. Let's explore the Putuo Zongcheng Temple in Chengde, known as the "Little Potala Palace." As we all know, Putuo Zongcheng Temple is also known as the Little Potala Palace. This Buddhist temple, modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet, is the largest architectural complex among the Eight Outer Temples in Chengde. It includes the mountain gate, stele pavilion, and five-tower gate at the front; the glazed archway and white platform in the middle; and the main building, the Great Red Platform, and other surrounding buildings at the back. The temple, built on the mountain, is magnificent. Cross the bridge without holes and enter a building that combines Qing and Tibetan styles—the mountain gate. You can see the stele pavilion with a yellow glazed tile roof, which houses three steles inscribed with the name of Putuo Zongcheng Temple in four languages. The temple is built on the mountain, with ascending steps, looking majestic. The entire building is indeed beautiful. Let's talk about the most spectacular Great Red Platform, which is seven stories high. From the front, it is actually two platforms. Below is the 18-meter-high Great White Platform, and above it is the 25-meter-high Great Red Platform, which is very impressive when viewed from below. Finally, climb to the top for a panoramic view of Chengde. The double-layered golden dome glistens in the sunlight, housing the Hall of All Laws Converge into One, the main hall of Putuo Zongcheng Temple. Located at the center of the Great Red Platform, it sits on a stone Sumeru pedestal in the middle of the complex. The golden dome is covered with double-layered gilded copper tiles shaped like fish scales, showcasing its splendor. How can one not be amazed!