The Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) in Beijing, China is an isle of
Tibetan Buddhist tranquility in the heart of the city. The building
was originally built in 1694 as the residence for the son of
Emporer Kangxi and it was converted to a temple and became a
lamasery in 1744.
The temple is a complex of halls and courtyards but the final
hall, the Wanfu Pavilion, holds an interesting surprise. Within it
lies a 25-yard high Buddha carved in the mid-18th century from a
single Tibetan sandalwood tree.
The wonderful folks at the Guinness Book of Records have
certified this to be the largest Buddha to ever be carved from a
single piece of wood.
To log this find, email me the date from the brass Guinness
plaque located at the site. No Internet "finds" - you must visit
the site.
A small admission charge is required to enter the temple
grounds.
PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY PHOTOS THAT MIGHT GIVE AWAY THE "ANSWER"
TO THIS CACHE. THANKS.