The White Temple in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai is a small city in the northernmost part of Thailand, bordering Laos and Myanmar. Over 20 years ago, it was almost unknown to tourists. A Chinese-Thai artist born in Chiang Rai, Chalermchai Kositpipat, designed and funded the construction of the White Temple in 1998, which has since boosted tourism in Chiang Rai. The White Temple is actually called Wat Rong Khun. All the buildings in the temple are pure white, with silver mirrors inlaid along the edges. The entire temple is snow-white, with countless dragons and various ornate designs carved inside. Silver metal strips are plated on these sculptures, which glisten in the sunlight. Seeing this white building, one cannot help but marvel at the designer's rich imagination and use of color. Standing amidst the White Temple's buildings, one feels as if they are in heaven. The White Temple is actually a work of art, an alternative expression of Buddhism. The white color symbolizes the purity of the Buddha. At the White Temple, there are many tourists, but no worshippers or offerings of flowers. The Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth is the only way to enter the White Temple. On both sides of the bridge, there are many upward-reaching arms, representing the struggles of those condemned to hell, which is quite shocking. Crossing the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth, one enters the Pure Land, and once inside, there is no turning back. Interestingly, amidst the entirely white buildings of the White Temple, there is a golden building. This golden building is actually a restroom, and above it is the studio of the White Temple's owner, designer, and builder, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Using the restroom here gives one a sense of opulence.