Most Beautiful Temples in the World in 2023
1. Ranakpur Jain in Pali, India
Regarded as one of the holiest sites in Jainism, the 24 pillared halls and 1,444 columns of this marvelous temple in Ranakpur are hand-carved completely from amber stone. Local lore claims a Jain businessperson started the construction of the temple in 15th century after experiencing a divine vision. Each pillar tells a different story with unique creatures and motifs etched into the intricate architecture
2. Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Celebrated Thai artist Chalermchai Kosipipat designed and funded the site, built on the ruins of a Buddhist temple, to honor Buddha’s purity while doubling as an eccentric art piece that opened in 1997. While the façade's mosaics and sculptures are completely white, the interiors burst with color thanks to a set of murals. You may also be surprised to see your favorite fictional characters (think: Spider Man and Hello Kitty) among the scenes depicted on the walls.
3.The Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China
An elaborate tower built just outside the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven came about in the early 15th century under the rule of the Yongle emperor. The magnificent structure served as the main venue for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to host yearly prayer ceremonies for good harvests and atonement. Interestingly, each colorful pillar inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests has its own story or symbol, from representing the four seasons to embodying the solar terms, but they all come together to represent the 28 Mansions of the Moon in Chinese astronomy.
4. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
Glistening in the sunlight high above Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda stands as the possibly the oldest Buddhist pagoda or temple in the world. According the local legend, two brothers encountered the Buddha beneath a tree one day and offered him food. The Buddha, delighted by their offer, gifted them exactly eight of his hairs, which the brothers then carried in a ruby casket to what is now Myanmar. From there, the King of Yangon commissioned the construction of the gold-plated and gemstone-encrusted temple where the holy hairs would eventually be entombed. The pagoda has survived several natural disasters and military occupations, and the glittering sight still stands as a reminder of hope and resilience.
5.The Temples of Abu Simbel in Abu Simbel, Egypt
6. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram in Bangkok, Thailand
7. Paro Taktsang in the Paro Valley, Bhutan
8. The Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, Greece
9. Seiganto-ji in Nachikatsuura, Japan
10. Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong
It’s uncertain when this famous Hong Kong Buddhist and Taoist temple was first built, but inscriptions found on the bell in the temple hall imply its construction may have taken place around 1847. Honoring the god of literature and the god of war, Man Mo Temple is known for the countless red wishes dangling from ceiling-strung incense. The temple is still highly active and visited by local worshippers, so it is asked that any visitor coming to the temple refrains from taking photos out of respect.

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