Watch my video here: https://youtu.be/1x9n5y1dXO4
The Zeedijk is a street in the old center of Amsterdam. The Zeedijk is the heart of Chinatown, the Chinese neighbourhood of Amsterdam. The street signs in the Zeedijk are written in both Dutch as well as in Chinese.
I wanted to go to the Zeedijk, because there is a huge Buddhist temple, the Guang Shan He Hua Temple (Lotus Flower Temple). It’s the largest Buddhist temple in Europe and built in traditional Chinese style.
The Buddhist temple is open to the public and serves as a meditation center. Organised services like guided tours and courses are also offered there.
The Buddhist temple is open for everyone and free of charge.
The address is: Zeedijk 106 – 118.
Opening hours:
Monday till Saturday from 12.00 – 17.00.
Sunday from 10.00 – 17.00.
You can take the guided tours on Saturdays at 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00 o’clock, without making an appointment. The guided tours last approximately 30 minutes and give an introduction to Buddhism. It may include a tea ceremony and meditation as well.
The entrance fee for the guided tours is € 5,00 and € 3,00 extra for both the tea drinking ceremony and meditation.
Unfortunately the Buddhist temple was closed on the day that I came, but you can see me walking in front of the Guang Shan He Hua temple. I will visit the Buddhist temple another time, when it’s open.
Luckily the Zeedijk is filled with local restaurants, where you can eat many delicious dishes.
I was very happy with the hot noodles that I had, eating outside on a cold winter day!
