International Buddhist Temple

The International Buddhist Temple sits on a 10-hectare site in central Richmond and is one of the largest traditional Chinese Buddhist temples in North America. Built between 1983 and 2011 in authentic Chinese palace architecture (gold-tiled roofs, red columns, intricate eaves), it's both an active place of worship and one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the Lower Mainland. The complex is open to the public — you're welcome to walk through the courtyards, the main hall, and the formal garden, as long as you're respectful of the ongoing services.

The inner courtyard garden is the real highlight for visitors. It's designed in the classical Ming tradition with a central pond, pavilions, pine trees, and a covered gallery that circles the courtyard. On most weekends you'll see families having wedding photos taken, and on major Buddhist holidays the temple fills with thousands of visitors. The main hall contains a giant gold-leaf statue of Amitabha Buddha that's worth seeing even if you have no prior interest in Buddhism.

Admission is free. There's a vegetarian restaurant on-site that serves authentic temple cuisine at very low prices — a full meal costs under $12 — and the temple gift shop sells books, prayer beads, and tea. Photos are permitted in the public areas. This is one of the single most unexpected and impressive buildings in Metro Vancouver and almost no non-Chinese newcomers have ever heard of it.