Buddhist leaders from many parts of the world are gathering in China, to pray for peace and promoting the Buddha's influence, on Thursday. The occasion marks the 30th anniversary of the recovery of what's believed to be a Buddha's finger relic, at Famen Temple, in Baoji, in northwest China's Shaanxi province. China has three relics from the Buddha. The other two are a tooth in Beijing's Lingguang Temple, and a skull bone in Nanjing's Qixia Temple. CGTN's Han Bin filed this report from Famen Temple.  

A holy place for believers around the world, Famen Temple is home to a Buddhist treasure. Sakyamuni was the founder of Buddhism. His wisdom has helped many understand the nature of life. His followers all believe in the same Buddha.

VENERABLE XUE CHENG, PRESIDENT CHINA BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION "We need to dig into the valuable cultural meanings of Buddhism, and find out the historical significance of relics, so as to make these treasures alive, in helping Chinese Buddhism play a bigger role internationally."

The sarira, or the Buddhist relic, had been kept in the underground sanctum of Famen Temple since 874. It was taken out in 1987. It's believed to be a finger bone of Sakyamuni. For believers, the significance of such relics is beyond words. They are a human connection. China is an atheist country, yet Buddhism is one of the key religions recognized by the state. As the Chinese government promotes traditional culture, it has given its support. This celebration has inspired many.

HAN BIN FAMEN TEMPLE "Buddhism was introduced to China some 2,000 years ago from India. In the end, China became Buddhism's greatest home, with the largest numbers of believers. Many are saying that Chinese Buddhism could go even further to the outside world, as the country's influence continues to rise on world stage."

To show unity and solidarity among different sects and nationalities, participants took a family photo. And they promise to make concerted efforts to promote Buddhism worldwide. Han Bin, CGTN, from Shaanxi Province.