After ascending via several flights of escalators, we arrived at the stunning Foding Palace (佛顶宫). Also known internationally as the Usnisa Palace, it stands as one of the most visually overwhelming and technologically audacious pieces of religious architecture ever conceived. Built inside a deep, abandoned open-cast iron mine pit on Niushoushan (牛首山), this massive structural marvel spans a total area of 136,000 square meters. Rather than building outward, architects chose to excavate downward, creating a nine-story complex consisting of three above-ground floors and six massive subterranean levels.
The above-ground facade was instantly recognizable for its breathtaking, dual-dome geometric design that flowed naturally along the slope of the mountain. The Large Dome (The Cassock), which measures 120 meters long, is a sprawling, asymmetrical canopy consists of a golden aluminum mesh network. Designed to evoke the draped pattern of a Buddhist monk's robe (Kāṣāya - 袈裟), it appeared to wrap smoothly over the hillside, symbolizing the boundless shelter and blessings of the Buddha.
Nested right beneath the large mesh structure, the smaller inner dome (known as The Hair Bun) was structured out of thousands of individuals, three-dimensional unit modules. Its appearance mimics the traditional curls or "hair bun" of the Buddha (Uṣṇīṣa), representing thousands of faithful believers making individual offerings. It looked a bit similar to our very own Esplanade.
Before entering the palace, we came to the Water Elevator & Reflecting Pool. Stepping into this massive purification zone was intended to calm our mind before the descent.
Descending into the upper subterranean layers revealed the Chan (Zen) State Scenery, a vast open atrium that acted as the entry threshold.
This floor features a massive, 7.5-meter (25-foot) reclining Jade Buddha resting peacefully at the center of a lotus pond. The entire platform slowly revolved, enveloped by natural light filtering down through the mesh overhead, creating an ethereal, misty atmosphere meant to symbolize the moment the Buddha entered Nirvana.
The entire area was massive and very cooling, which made our visit very comfortable without having to walk under the outdoor heat.
The view of the entire atrium was even better on level two.
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