Buildings include the Bell Pavilion; the Main Hall; one building for the Disciples; one building for the Judges; a museum; a building for the portraits of great monks; and a building for the pictures of the Buddha's life. Often there are many smaller buildings which include shrines to different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as well as local folk gods. Then there are the monks' build-ings which vary in number and size depending on the number of inhabitants and needs of the temple; occasionally there is one building unique to that temple.

Just before entering the main compound, sometimes just over the main entrance, there is a pavilion-gate. The pavilion portion above may be open or may have walls, it may be neglected or used for meetings and study or as a Bell Pavilion. The lower section is open and makes a thorough-fare to the courtyard.