Temple culture (sì miào wén huà) refers to the rich, multifaceted traditions centered around Buddhist temples (寺) and folk religious shrines (廟) in Chinese-speaking societies. It encompasses religious practices like chanting, offerings, and pilgrimage; artistic expressions such as temple architecture, sculpture, calligraphy, and ritual music; and social functions including community festivals, charity work, and moral education. The character 文 (wén) means 'culture' or 'civilization', while 化 (huà) conveys 'transformation' or 'influence' — together, they signify how temple life shapes values, aesthetics, and collective identity over time.

This term is used academically and culturally to describe intangible heritage — not just beliefs, but the lived experience of reverence, craftsmanship, seasonal rituals (e.g., Lunar New Year temple fairs), and intergenerational transmission. It reflects harmony between spirituality and daily life, distinguishing it from purely doctrinal or institutional terms like 'Buddhism' (佛教) or 'religion' (宗教).