Fo Guang Shan
Fo Guang Shan
3.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Red Light District (De Wallen)
To visit Amsterdam and not explore De Wallen (the Dutch name for this area) or to go only to gawk at its saucier aspects would mean missing the opportunity to view some of the city’s most picturesque canals, historic landmarks, and impeccably presented examples of traditional local architecture – not to mention Amsterdam’s own Chinatown, Europe’s largest Buddhist temple and more local treasures. Sure, there are some less salubrious activities drawing the curious to this age-old part of time. Nevertheless, the Red Light District is still a very safe and incredibly fascinating area where at the turn of a corner you can be transported from the dingy glow of modern day neon red to a glorious 16th century Delft blue dreamscape.
How to get there
- Nieuwmarkt • 3 min walk
- Centraal Station • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
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3.5
100 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
43
Average
35
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Ben White
Northampton, UK3,228 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
I must admit, I know it’s smack bang in the middle of the china town district in central Amsterdam but it’s also right next to the red light district, so for me it doesn’t feel that holy.
But it’s a beautiful temple, very small but worth a look.
It’s free entry but they ask for donations, to support the upkeep. It’s lovely little temple.
But it’s a beautiful temple, very small but worth a look.
It’s free entry but they ask for donations, to support the upkeep. It’s lovely little temple.
Written 1 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn V
Glasgow, UK74 contributions
Feb 2019
We decided to pay the temple a visit having passed by a few time before. There was a service going on, which had already started, so we didn't actually go right into the temple as we didn't wish to disturb anyone. But the entrance area itself was quite serene and picturesque, and hopefully next time we'll arrive before the start of the service.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TAIN2013
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia2,859 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
The Buddhist temple is located in the red light district of Amsterdam and was part of the RLD tour. As per the guide, the idea behind locating the temple in this part of town was that the Lotus flower (which is sacred to Buddhists) blooms only in muddy waters but is still not affected by the mud around it. So a pure soul will shine even in such surroundings. It is an inspiring philosophy which could help a lot in our daily lives.
The temple itself is small and beautiful and definitely worth a short visit if you are in the area.
The temple itself is small and beautiful and definitely worth a short visit if you are in the area.
Written 23 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beachjax
Daytona Beach, FL82 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Ended up at the temple on our way back to Central Station. The temple was really neat and walking through China town was a neat experience.
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Con_Dave
Cork25 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Came across the temple while walking the busy street. Curiosity got the better of us so we went in for a look. A sudden air of peace when stepped over the threshold. Well worth a visit after seeing madness of the Red Light District
Written 10 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David F
Chester, United Kingdom1,952 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
This temple looks totally out of place in the narrow old streets of Amsterdam but it is in the Chinatown and actually you feel like you could be in the Orient somewhere even though it is only 10 minutes walk from Centraal Station! The temple opens at 12 noon and is free to visit but is very small and not quite what I expected - the claim that it is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe is a bit misleading to say the least (the one in Wimbledon is far more impressive if not any bigger). There is a strange statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva who apparently has 1000 arms and embodies compassion. The Temple website has a useful guide to the symbolism. Worthwhile calling in if you are in the old town area. Guided tours only on Saturdays.
Written 31 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Swansea, UK32 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
on wandering around China Town zeedijk we came across this temple,a very interesting place if you happen to find Buddism one of your interests.This temple would only take half an hour to have a look at.
Written 7 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roots2Wings
Amsterdam, The Netherlands460 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Brilliant and so easily accessible
Tranquil spot in the hustle bustle of a Metro
do take out time to visit this amazing temple & read about the details of Buddhism as observed by China. They have several statues about Mahayana Buddhism/Bodhisattva Avatars that you can see & read about (a 2 page leaflet placed next to the cabinets describes the basics).
Observe:
The walls with 3 main postures inscribed repeatedly in a pattern
Ceiling esp on the corners
Pyramid of lights with Buddha's photos
Main statues which are simply amazing
you can buy booklets about the religion or light an incense stick for praying.
You can wear your shoes inside the temple & click still photos (I would say do not use flash)
It is just an average sized hall, no other chambers or floors to visit
Tranquil spot in the hustle bustle of a Metro
do take out time to visit this amazing temple & read about the details of Buddhism as observed by China. They have several statues about Mahayana Buddhism/Bodhisattva Avatars that you can see & read about (a 2 page leaflet placed next to the cabinets describes the basics).
Observe:
The walls with 3 main postures inscribed repeatedly in a pattern
Ceiling esp on the corners
Pyramid of lights with Buddha's photos
Main statues which are simply amazing
you can buy booklets about the religion or light an incense stick for praying.
You can wear your shoes inside the temple & click still photos (I would say do not use flash)
It is just an average sized hall, no other chambers or floors to visit
Written 27 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denzel T
Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
A peace of tranquil amidst if the hustle and bustle of downtown Amsterdam.
Beautiful buddhist statues and ambience.
Right at the door step there is a box of oracle that is printed with buddhist writings, but please remember to drop 50 cents euro into their donation box as per written on the sign if you wish to pick any one of the oracle.
Beautiful buddhist statues and ambience.
Right at the door step there is a box of oracle that is printed with buddhist writings, but please remember to drop 50 cents euro into their donation box as per written on the sign if you wish to pick any one of the oracle.
Written 13 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niamhs456
County Cork, Ireland545 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Nice little free entry temple to stop in and take a few photos while wandering the streets so worth a look if passing and its open . It has a lovely little inside main area and then you can move on or take a few minutes in this peaceful shrine
Written 6 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In che orari è aperto, siamo passati alle 10 e alle 19 sempre con serranda chiusa.
Grazie
Written 23 April 2016
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