天恩彌勒佛院

This impressive complex is set in a beautiful scenic area. It’s certainly an interesting experience when you visit. I’ve been a couple of time and each time we’ve been shown different things. You do really have to check if it’s open as this depends on what the religious organization is doing. The first time it was the gods birthday and we go to see more of the buildings. The guides are helpful, friendly, and unrelentingly positive. They also provide tours etc in English. Since my Chinese reading is fairly basic I didn’t spend much time in the exhibition area where the specific religion is explained so I can’t comment on that. As a side note they didn’t ask for money or donations at any point.

Amazing place to visit, not just because of the beauty of the buildings and environment, but also the believe they promoting. No regret to visit here!!

Architecturally and aesthetically it is worth a visit--the lines are clean, plenty of natural light and natural breeze, and everything is well kept. There is definitely a sense of serenity and calm about. You're asked to take your shoes off before you enter, which seems to be standard for many places of worship. I had no idea it was a place of worship until I actually saw people prostrating themselves. Photos ok outside but not inside. Inside, you will find three bronze statues: Maitreya (in his laughing buddha monk Budai incarnation) in the middle, Guan Yu on the left, and Avalokiteśvara (in his Guan Yin incarnation). The presence of Guan Yu was rather unusual. Outside, you'll see a triple statue of Confucius, Lao Tse, and Budai. Again, rather unusual. My view: Guan Yu, Confucius, and Lao Tze have little to do with Mahayana Buddhism so whilst the grounds are pleasant, I am much more wary of the religious narrative the friendly folks are trying to pleasantly push here. It is also of note and appropriate that Confucius has bird droppings on his head (he is a "****head") to signify the tremendous damage he has wreaked on Chinese culture over the ages.