Temples

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

Home to what locals claim is the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia, which is worshiped yearly.

The largest Chinese cemetery in the world outside of China dates back to the 15th century.

This abandoned palace and the stupas around it conceal beautiful Buddhist frescoes, statues, and silk paintings.

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

The oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia has survived centuries of invasions, political shifts, and religious purges.

A Himalayan monastery claims to have a piece of a centuries-old abominable snowman.

Modern design and unusual architecture make this mountaintop temple no ordinary Buddhist retreat.

The painted and decorated towers of this Hindu shrine were once the tallest structures in one of the oldest cities in India.

The skeletons, demons, and corpses serve as a warning of the terrors of Buddhist Hell.

A ruined Maya city that suffered a years-long case of mistaken identity.

This otherworldly church spire reaches up toward the heavens.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

An ancient temple to the Hindu god Shiva surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.

The second-largest Jewish temple in Bulgaria was deserted after World War II, seized by the communist government and then abandoned again.

Monkeys lounge around at this 13th century temple.

A Chinese meditation center in the middle of rural Sweden, partly funded by a member of ABBA.