Located to the north of the Imperial Summer Villa (Bishu shanzhuang), Putuo Zongcheng Temple (Lesser Potala Palace) was built in 1767. And it is a most resplendent and sweeping one, and the largest temple in Chengde, covering an area of 220,000 square meters.

The temple itself was designed as a replica of Lhasa´s Potala Palace, in miniature. Most of the 60 or so halls that make up the complex are kept to this Tibetan style, and apart from the dark red main building, most of the buildings are with white walls and flat roofs. That is why it is also called the lesser Potala Palace.

Despite much renovation, it is still possible to understand the awe that visiting dignitaries, mainly from the far western provinces and Mongolia, felt for the temple.

Features
The temple is a marvelous sight on a clear day, its red walls standing out against its mountain backdrop. Enter to a huge stele pavilion, followed by a large triple archway topped with five small stupas in red, green, yellow, white and black. Between the two gates are two large stone elephants whose knees bend impossible.