11 Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples Around the World (4 of 6)

Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda, located in the bustling city of Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon), is the oldest on this list, having been built over 2,500 years ago. Known in English as the Great Dragon Pagoda, it is plated with gold and diamonds, and it consists of hundreds of really colorful temples and statues. It also houses what is claimed to be eight strands of the Buddha’s hair, making it one of the holiest sites in all of Asia.

Byodo-In Temple, O’ahu, Hawaii, US

Inspired by the 1000-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, this non-practicing temple was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in Hawaii. It has ponds and lush gardens as well as relaxing waterfalls.