At the end of 2024, the Buddha’s tooth relic from Beijing’s Lingguang Temple journeyed to Bangkok, symbolizing five decades of diplomatic ties between the Chinese mainland and Thailand. Behind this historic transfer was a creative mission: design a pavilion that narrates a tale of shared heritage and civilizational dialogue.
The architectural team looked beyond blueprints, tracing centuries of Chinese influence in Thai buildings—glazed ceramic tiles gleaming under tropical sunlight, sweeping rooflines echoing ancient craftsmanship. These motifs became the foundation of a space meant to honor a priceless relic while weaving two cultures together.
The pavilion’s crowning detail lies in its roof eaves, where mythologies converge. One side features a coiled Chinese dragon, a timeless emblem of power and guardianship. Opposite, a Thai naga—a water serpent deity—stands for fertility and renewal. Side by side, these figures create a sculptural handshake, embodying the idea that art and faith can unite distant civilizations.
More than an architectural marvel, the shrine reflects a broader trend: using design as a tool for diplomacy. In an age where global connections shape politics, business and travel, this pavilion invites young global citizens, innovators and changemakers to view heritage as an active dialogue rather than a static relic.
As visitors admire the Buddha’s tooth under this hybrid canopy, they encounter more than a sacred artifact. They witness a living tribute to 50 years of Sino-Thai friendship—an intercultural conversation carved in tile, myth and unforgettable form.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
