Top 10 Largest Chinese Buddhist Temples in the United States
Chinese Buddhist temples are among the largest, most established, and most influential Buddhist institutions in the United States. Rooted in centuries-old Mahayana traditions and shaped by modern immigration, these temples serve not only as places of worship, but also as cultural centers, educational institutions, retreat facilities, and bridges between Asian traditions and American society.
When discussing the “largest” Chinese Buddhist temples in the U.S., size can be measured in several ways: land acreage, scale of buildings, number of resident monastics, institutional reach, and national influence. The following list reflects a balanced evaluation based on these factors, using information from official temple websites, academic references, and widely cited public sources.
Read more: Buddhism in the United States: History, Growth, Communities, and Its Role in Modern American Life
Why These Temples MatterThe largest Chinese Buddhist temples in the United States are more than religious landmarks. They preserve cultural heritage, support immigrant communities, advance Buddhist education, and introduce meditation and ethics to a wider American audience. Their continued growth reflects both demographic change and rising interest in contemplative practice. |
1. City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Location: Ukiah (Talmage), California
Land size: ~488 acres
Address: 4951 Bodhi Way, Ukiah, CA 95482
Website: https://www.cttbusa.org
Phone: +1 707-462-0939
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| The mysterious California town with 10,000 Buddhas |
Often recognized as the largest Chinese Buddhist monastic complex in the United States, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a self-contained religious city founded by Master Hsuan Hua and operated by the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. The campus includes ordination platforms, schools, a university, monasteries, housing, farmland, and ceremonial halls.
Best for: Traditional monastic life, large-scale ceremonies, long-term study.
2. Hsi Lai Temple
Location: Hacienda Heights, California
Land size: ~15 acres (over 100,000 sq ft of built space)
Address: 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Website: https://www.hsilai.org
Phone: +1 626-961-9697
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| The Hsi Lai Temple is a beautiful, serene Buddhist temple located in the city of Whittier |
Hsi Lai Temple is the North American headquarters of Fo Guang Shan and is widely regarded as the largest traditional Chinese Buddhist temple complex in Southern California. Known for its grand architecture and visitor-friendly layout, it hosts cultural festivals, educational programs, and large public ceremonies.
Best for: First-time visitors, cultural events, public education.
3. Chuang Yen Monastery
Location: Kent (Hudson Valley), New York
Land size: ~225 acres
Address: 2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512
Website: https://www.chuangyen.org
Phone: +1 845-225-1819
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| Chuang Yen Monastery |
Chuang Yen Monastery is one of the largest Chinese Buddhist properties on the East Coast. It is especially well known for housing one of the largest indoor Buddha statues in the Western Hemisphere and for hosting meditation retreats and interfaith events.
Best for: Meditation retreats, quiet study, large ceremonial halls.
4. Dharma Drum Retreat Center
Location: Pine Bush, New York
Land size: ~125 acres
Address: 184 Quannacut Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566
Website: https://www.dharmadrumretreat.org
Phone: +1 845-744-8114
Founded by the Dharma Drum Mountain organization of Taiwan, this retreat center focuses on Chan (Zen) meditation and contemplative practice. Its large forested campus emphasizes environmental mindfulness and silence.
Best for: Structured retreats, meditation-intensive practice.
5. Nan Tien Temple
Location: Los Angeles County, California
Website: https://www.fgsnt.org
Affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, Nan Tien Temple serves as a major hub for Chinese Buddhist education and community activities in Southern California. While smaller in acreage than Hsi Lai Temple, its programming and influence are substantial.
Best for: Community engagement, urban access.
6. Gold Mountain Monastery
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 1731 15th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: https://www.goldmountainmonastery.org
Phone: +1 415-863-5530
One of the oldest Chinese Buddhist monasteries in the U.S., Gold Mountain Monastery is historically significant despite its urban footprint. It played a key role in establishing Chinese Chan Buddhism in America.
Best for: Traditional Chan practice, historical significance.
7. Great Compassion Monastery
Location: San Jose, California
Address: 2210 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Website: https://www.greatcompassion.org
Phone: +1 408-923-6540
Serving a large Chinese-speaking population in Silicon Valley, this monastery combines traditional Mahayana practice with modern community services.
Best for: Regular ceremonies, local Chinese communities.
8. Chung Tai Chan Monastery USA
Location: Multiple U.S. branches
Website: https://www.chungtai.org
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| Chung Tai Chan Monastery USA |
Chung Tai Chan Monastery’s U.S. branches collectively represent a large Chinese Buddhist presence, emphasizing disciplined meditation training and monastic education.
Best for: Structured Chan meditation training.
9. Hua Zang Si
Location: Los Angeles, California
Known for large Dharma assemblies and ceremonial events, Hua Zang Si functions as an important urban temple serving Chinese-speaking practitioners.
Best for: Ritual practice and festivals.
10. Buddhist Association of the United States
Website: https://www.baus.org
While not a single campus, BAUS oversees multiple large Chinese Buddhist temples and properties nationwide, making it one of the most influential Chinese Buddhist organizations in America.
Best for: Nationwide institutional support and stability.
Comparison Table: Largest Chinese Buddhist Temples in the U.S.
| Temple | Approx. Acreage | Tradition | Main Languages | Visitor Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Ten Thousand Buddhas | ~488 acres | Chan (Mahayana) | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Hsi Lai Temple | ~15 acres | Humanistic Buddhism | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Chuang Yen Monastery | ~225 acres | Mahayana | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Dharma Drum Retreat Center | ~125 acres | Chan | Chinese / English | Limited |
| Nan Tien Temple | N/A | Humanistic Buddhism | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Gold Mountain Monastery | Urban | Chan | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Great Compassion Monastery | Urban | Mahayana | Chinese / English | Yes |
| Chung Tai Chan (USA) | Multiple | Chan | Chinese / English | Varies |
| Hua Zang Si | Urban | Mahayana | Chinese | Yes |
| BAUS (multiple) | Multiple | Mahayana | Chinese / English | Varies |
How to Choose the Right Temple to Visit or Study
When selecting a Chinese Buddhist temple in the U.S., consider:
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Your purpose: tourism, worship, retreat, or long-term study
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Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, or English instruction
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Setting: urban temples vs. rural retreat centers
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Access: public visiting hours vs. registration-only retreats
Most large temples welcome visitors but expect respectful dress and conduct.
Final Thoughts
Together, these ten institutions represent the scale, diversity, and maturity of Chinese Buddhism in America. From vast rural monasteries to architecturally striking urban temples, they demonstrate how ancient traditions continue to adapt and thrive in a modern American context.
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