Architectural analysis of Baizhang Temple: Birthplace of “Zen forest and clean rules”

Under the background of exploring traditional architectural culture, the purpose of this paper is to analyze and study the spatial form of Fengxin Baizhang Temple, the most representative and largest temple in Yichun area, the “Zen capital,” explore its site selection and spatial layout characteristics, and summarize the spatial organization and construction strategies of Baizhang Zen temple architecture. Meanwhile, in the current stage of paying attention to the protection and renewal of traditional temples, some common design methods suitable for local Zen temples are found in order to provide some reference for the study and protection of Zen temples. The study says: Baizhang Temple, a classic mountain temple, was strategically sited in accordance with the principles of ancient architectural feng shui and Zen philosophy. The overall spatial pattern and sequence are complete, among which the dimensions of leading space, main space, and auxiliary space account for 37.50%, 26.80%, and 35.70%, respectively. The ratio D/H between the visual distance D and the building height H of the four main Buddhist temples and the adjacent courtyard space is greater than 1.0. The perspective angles range from 22° to 35°. The courtyard space is mainly concentrated type, supplemented by a few scattered type, and the layout combination is consistent with the overall spatial form of the temple.