在分析文献典籍的基础上,通过从物质文化景观和非物质文化景观两个角度对广东佛教文化景观的剖析比较,以解读广东佛教文化景观的地域分异和形成原因。研究结果表明:广东佛教早在汉代即已传入,后随交通线和区域开发进程演变。在传播时间上,珠三角地区佛教传入最早,粤北和粤东北次之,粤东南潮汕地区则最迟;在空间分布上,广东佛教呈现明显的空间的分异现象,将广东佛教文化划分为三大文化区:广府、客家和福佬佛教文化区,分别以广州、韶关和潮州为中心,并在佛教信徒数量和比例关系及寺院规模等层面存在明显差别;在佛教文化景观表现上,三大佛教文化区呈现出具有地域特色的佛教文化景观,突出地表现在佛教建筑风格、语言、音乐和民俗层面。而佛教文化景观的形成和演化深刻反映着广东对外交通条件、区域开发进程和水平及地理环境的差异。

This research shows that the introduction of Buddhism to Guangdong happened as early as the Han Dynasty and its evolution was closely related to transportation network and regional development. In terms of time, Buddhism was firstly introduced to Pearl River Delta region. It then emerged in the north, northeast of Guangdong, and at last Chaoshan region in the southeast of Guangdong. In terms of regional distribution, Buddhism in Guangdong Province displays a pattern of three regions:Cantonese, Hakka and Fulao Buddhist cultural regions, centering around Guangzhou, Shaoguan and Chaozhou respectively showing considerable differences such as the number and ratio of Buddhists and the scale of temples among three regions. In terms of Buddhist cultural landscapes, these regions possess landscapes of regional characteristics, which are reflected in the Buddhist architecture style, language, music and folklore. This thesis probes into those elements and described them in detail. In Cantonese region, the Buddhist architecture style was influenced Indian Buddist architecture in the early period but then gradually developed in the direction of secularization. The Buddhist music here shared the same root with Cantonese music in Guangzhou and the folk activities took on the characteristics of commodity economy. In Hakka region, the architecture inherited the tradition from Han people, lacking bright colors and rich forms. With reference to language, this region tended to use the vocabulary from local Hakka dialect. Moreover, those cultural landscapes and their evolution are the proof of transport improvement, regional development and geographical difference in Guangdong. They affect not only the expansion of Buddhism, but also the integration of Buddhist culture and local culture.