Temple of the Azure Clouds, Beijing

This temple complex was begun in the 1300s under the rule of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). The tall, multi-towered building beyond the arched gateway in the center was built for the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1736-1795) of the Qing dynasty in 1748.

This building is based on the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India, which is the site of the enlightenment of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Several copies of this important building were executed in China, the earliest in 1473.