A crowning cultural centre of Mahayana Buddhism, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is home to the world’s tallest bronze sitting Buddha statue. The Way to Buddhahood path in front of the statue is bordered by the Eight Pagodas, an elaborate Buddhist landmark.
Several themed museums belong to the complex, including Buddha Memorial Center. Relics include a tooth belonging to Shakyamuni Buddha, founder of the Buddhist faith. The Main Hall merges Chinese and Indian architecture and holds four art galleries displaying everything from calligraphy to antiques, ancient poetry manuscripts and religious artefacts.
Life of the Buddha Museum welcomes visitors with a 4D movie theatre showing “Poor Girl’s Lamp” and “Life of the Buddha” films before leading into a walking tour of Buddha’s life stages. Visit the Museum of Underground Palaces to see sacred objects and written sutras. On the Big Buddha Terrace, you can join worshipers who walk around stupas.
Getting there
The museum sits in the Dashu district of Kaohsiung, easily accessible by buses departing from Kaohsiung Railway Station. There is parking near the museum’s Information Tower. You can also get there by rideshare services, bike rentals and taxis.