The hidden caisson ceiling at Beijing's Zhihua Temple

Home

China

World

Politics

Business

Sci-Tech

Health

Opinions

Video

Live

Radio

World Asia-Pacific Middle East Europe Americas Africa

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Situated above Beijing's only surviving Ming Dynasty Zhuanlunzang, an exquisite wooden sutra cabinet standing more than four meters tall, the only remaining caisson ceiling at the Zhihua Temple can only be viewed from certain angles inside the hall where it is located. /CGTN

A photo taken at the Zhihua Temple in Beijing shows a display board featuring a close-up of the Vairocana Buddha statue at the top of the temple's sutra cabinet and the caisson ceiling above it. /CGTN

A photo taken at the Zhihua Temple in Beijing shows a display board with photos illustrating details of the temple's only remaining caisson ceiling. /CGTN

A photo taken at the Zhihua Temple in Beijing shows a display board with photos of two caisson ceilings originally at the temple, now housed in museums in the United States. /CGTN

Featuring vibrant paintings and intricate carvings, the only remaining caisson ceiling at the Zhihua Temple in Beijing is easy to miss. Situated above the city's only surviving Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Zhuanlunzang – an exquisite wooden sutra cabinet standing more than four meters tall – the caisson ceiling can only be viewed from certain angles inside the hall where it is located.

The temple originally had three exquisite caisson ceilings. The other two are now in the United States – one at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the other at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Open in CGTN APP for better experience

Search Trends

The hidden caisson ceiling at Beijing's Zhihua Temple – don't miss it