Reclining Buddha Temple, Beijing

The large Buddha image—over sixteen feet (nearly five meters) in length—seen in this photograph has given the temple the name by which it is commonly known, Reclining Buddha Temple (Wofo si). The original sandalwood sculpture (600s) was replaced in the 1330s by this bronze one. The Buddha's pose symbolizes his death and his consequent achievement of nirvana. The twelve surrounding smaller figures represent his disciples.

This temple is located outside Beijing, at the foot of the Western Hills.