Visiting Buddhist and Taoist Temples: A Respectful Guide

Chinese temples are sacred spaces for millions of people. Whether Buddhist or Taoist, these sites offer a window into China's spiritual traditions and cultural heritage.

Proper preparation and behavior shows respect for the religious tradition and its practitioners. Here's everything you need to know.

Before Your Visit

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a respectful and meaningful temple visit.

Dress Code

Dress modestly and respectfully. Temples are places of worship, not tourist attractions.

Cover shoulders and knees—no tank tops, short shorts, or revealing clothing
Avoid tight or flashy clothing
Remove hats and sunglasses before entering main halls
Some temples provide cover-ups if needed—but don't count on it

What to Bring

Small bills for donations (5-20 RMB is appropriate)
Incense—or plan to buy at the temple
A respectful attitude—most important of all
Comfortable shoes for walking on stone floors

At the Temple

Once inside, your behavior should reflect the sacred nature of the space.

Entering the Grounds

Pay attention to these entry customs that many visitors overlook:

Step over, not on, the threshold—it's considered sacred
Enter through side doors when possible—center doors are traditionally for deities and monks
Walk clockwise around halls and stupas
Keep to the sides of pathways, leaving the center clear

Proper Behavior

Speak quietly—temples are places of meditation and prayer
Don't point at Buddha statues—use an open palm gesture instead
Photography may be restricted in main halls—always look for signs
Ask permission before photographing monks, nuns, or worshippers
Turn off your phone or set it to silent

Making Offerings

Offerings are an important part of temple worship. Even as a visitor, you can participate respectfully.

Incense (香)

Offering incense is the most common practice:

Light three sticks—representing Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (or past, present, future)
Hold at forehead level and bow three times
Place in designated burners—don't throw or stick randomly
Let the incense burn naturally; don't blow it out

Donations

Donations are always voluntary—never feel pressured
Place money in donation boxes, not directly to monks
Any amount is acceptable and appreciated
You can also donate fruit, flowers, or oil for lamps

Buddhist vs. Taoist Temples

China has two main types of temples with different characteristics. Knowing the difference enriches your visit.

Buddhist Temples (寺, Sì)

Focus on Buddha and bodhisattvas
Monks wear orange, grey, or brown robes
Vegetarian food often available on premises
More meditation-focused, quieter atmosphere
Common features: pagodas, Buddha statues, lotus imagery

Taoist Temples (观, Guàn)

Worship various deities—gods of wealth, health, longevity, etc.
Priests may have topknots and wear traditional robes
More incense, paper offerings, and fortune-telling
Often more colorful and ornate decorations
Common features: yin-yang symbols, dragon imagery, multiple deity halls

Conclusion

Temples are sacred spaces for millions of Chinese people. Your respectful behavior honors both the religious tradition and the practitioners you encounter.

When in doubt, observe what others do and follow their lead. Your sincere respect will always be appreciated.