China: Roof detail, Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Kaiyuan Si (Kaiyuan Temple) is Quanzhou’s largest Buddhist temple, and one of China’s most beautiful. The temple dates back to the late 7th century (Tang Dynasty), but its two pagodas were later additions, constructed in the 13th century. They have managed to survive largely as they are built of stone, not wood. A thousand years ago Quanzhou was arguably the world’s most significant port, with a lucrative position at the centre of the maritime silk trade. It prospered enormously during the Song and Yuan dynasties, when it was vi

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