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Amsterdam has it all even a real Buddhist temple – Zeedijk. It is located in the very heart of Amsterdam. The bluestone steps of the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple lead to the prayer room. The decoration of the roof was done by roof tiles specially brought in from China and many characteristic ornaments were brought in especially from China for this temple.

The numerous Chinese shops and restaurants found near the Zeedijk will lead it to be called the main street of Amsterdam’s China Town. The China Town has not only various Chinese shops and eating place but its very own Buddhist temple, built in traditional Chinese court style. The Zeedijk’s history dates back to the middle Ages. The dike protected Amsterdam from the water of the former Zuiderzee. In the 17th century, the Zeedijk was one of the most respectable residential areas for merchants. However the grandeur of the bygone era is still visible in many houses with original and restored bell, funnel and neck gables, reminding of their former wealthy residents.

The Buddhist Temple in the heart of China Town in central Amsterdam is not a place to be missed. The time spent there is peaceful and one can feel the tranquility in this colorful shrine. The atmosphere is both interesting and thought provoking. Those with a religious bent of mind can light an incense stick and offer the fruit that is in a basket by the doorway to Buddha.

The history of the temple dates back to World War Ii when in 1994 a few wealthy Chinese business men asked the city council permission to built a Chinese Buddhist temple at the Zeedijk .The formal inauguration was held in 2000 coinciding with the 40th birthday of Gonnie. The inauguration was officially done by Queen Beatrix. The name He Hwa means lotus flower. The lotus flower is a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. It is the biggest in traditional Chinese style built temple in Europe.

Queen Beatrix has been an ardent supporter of Buddhism. It has been a unique event for Buddhism all the world over as the queen has been the first statesman ever, who supported Buddhism in public. As most of the big cities, Amsterdam has its China town too. Along the Zeedijk one will find lots of Chinese restaurants, takeaways, oriental shops and the Fo Guang Shan He Hua temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in Europe that is built in the traditional style.

The area has been labeled as Chinatown; however it is a misnomer of course, because the area includes numerous Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian restaurants, shops, salons, apothecaries, markets and more. The reconstruction of many façades, and the repaving of the streets, and the district has been metamorphosed from seedy to inviting. The Oriental Supermarket facing the Nieuwmarkt is just one of the success stories in the area. The number of good quality Thai restaurants has not just tourists, but locals flocking in to feast on Tom Yam soup and Phad Thai. Just walking around enjoying the entire street scene can be very entertaining. There are people from all walks of life and it is quite an adventure to be around so many different nationalities and culture all at once, it can be shocking.

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