People attend a ceremony at the Henan Buddhist College (HBC) in the scenic Tongbai Mountains in central China's Henan Province, April 8, 2012. The HBC held an inauguration ceremony on Sunday, marking the establishment of the first-ever higher institute dedicated to Buddhist education in the birthplace of Han Chinese Buddhism. Located in the scenic Tongbai Mountains known for their monastic heritage, HBC covers an area of 6.96 hectares. The main architectural complex is in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) and comprises of the monastery, classrooms, an administrative building, residential quarters and a Buddhist cultural center. Henan is known as the entry point of Buddhism in China from India nearly 2,000 years ago. The college has enrolled more than 40 students since it welcomed its first batch of students in March 2011. HBC emphasizes the study of the original Buddhist scriptures and literature, including the history of Buddhist thinking in India and the history of Buddhist schools in China, according to the Venerable Long Zang, HBC's vice president. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Photo taken on April 8, 2012 shows the Henan Buddhist College (HBC) in the scenic Tongbai Mountains in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song) (zhs)
Students have class at the Henan Buddhist College (HBC) in the scenic Tongbai Mountains in central China's Henan Province, April 7, 2012. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Followers and tourists visit the Henan Buddhist College (HBC) in the scenic Tongbai Mountains in central China's Henan Province, April 8, 2012. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
