Pao Fa Temple, Buddhist temple in Irvine, United States

Pao Fa Temple is a Buddhist monastery and temple complex on a two-acre site in Irvine, California, completed in 2002 at a cost of $5 million. Its 41,000 square feet hold prayer halls, classrooms, a library, a dining hall and a 42-room monastery, with 8-ton jade Buddhas among the statues.

The temple was founded by the Taiwan-born Venerable Jen-Yi, who in 1990 followed the advice of Master Hsuan Hua of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to build in Irvine. Construction on the two-acre site, a former Pacific Bell property, cost $5 million and was completed in late 2002.

The site serves the local Buddhist community as a place for daily practice and reflects Chinese architectural traditions in its design. Visitors can experience the contemplative environment and participate in ceremonies that welcome both practitioners and those curious about the faith.

The temple occupies a two-acre site with 41,000 square feet of prayer halls, classrooms, a library, a dining hall and a 42-room monastery, so allow time to move between buildings. Visitors are mostly Chinese American and Vietnamese American worshippers, along with students from the University of California, Irvine. Check the official website before coming, since halls may be closed during ceremonies or the summer camp.

The temple's prayer halls hold 8-ton jade Buddhas, and the whole complex covers 41,000 square feet on a two-acre site. It was the first mega-temple in Orange County, built for $5 million and opened at the end of 2002.