Upon entering the first hall of the temple, a tablet inscribed with words penned by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) can be seen. He was inspired by the sight of the temple shrouded in mist amongst the trees that surrounded it and gave it the title "Cloud Forest Buddhist Temple". This first great hall, with its double eaves at some 60 feet in height, is the "Hall of the Heavenly Kings." Upon the door is a couplet that reads "Let us sit and wait upon the threshold, where we shall see another peak flying from afar. Let us welcome spring with a smile as the snow melts and the brook starts to flow once more."

Upon entering the hall the delicately painted ceiling decorated with phoenixes and dragons is immediately eye-catching. Images of the Four Heavenly Kings stand upon either side of the Maitreya, a laughing Buddha with a huge belly who is said to be able to "endure all intolerance and laugh at every laughable person in the world," as he welcomes those who enter the hall. On passing through this hall and crossing the courtyard beyond, the Da Xiong Bao Dian can be seen. This is the Hall of the Great Saga. It is seven rooms wide, five rooms deep and single storey construction. The double-eaved roof soars to a pinnacle of 33.6 meters making it probably the highest single-storey buildings to be found in China. The hall houses a statue of Sakyamuni carved from 24 sections of camphor wood with an overall height of 24.8 meters. This is one of the largest wooden statues in China and is covered with gold leaf. The statue is an impressive sight with its 20 saints flanking the walls and symbolizing the protection of justice 12 imposing disciples who serve as guards are also seated along the rear wall.

Continuing through the temple complex, the visitor arrives at the Pharmaceutical Master Hall, the Great Mercy Hall and the Cool Spring Pavilion. This latter pavilion was erected a thousand years ago during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is a very pleasant place to linger during the heat of summer when the softly murmuring spring has a cooling effect upon its surroundings.

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