Zhenguo Temple

Zhenguo Temple is nestled within Pingyao Ancient City, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden structures existing in China. This Buddhist art treasure was built during the Northern Han Dynasty in 963 AD, showcasing unparalleled exquisite craftsmanship from the Five Dynasties period. Different from typical temples of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the simple and minimalist design style of Zhenguo Temple, as well as the precious murals that have been preserved, allow people to truly appreciate the early Chinese religious art and remarkable architectural wisdom.

Highlights of Zhenguo Temple

Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall

Inside of Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall

Built in 963 CE during the Northern Han dynasty, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall is the most precious part of the temple. It's one of the oldest wooden halls that are still around in China. The complex dougong brackets, which are wooden parts that fit together, show smart engineering without using nails. There are 14 original clay statues from the Five Dynasties period inside. These statues show Buddhist gods with peaceful looks. The murals are faded, but they're beautiful and they tell us about the hall's lively history. People who like architecture think it's really authentic, just like a "time capsule".

Five Dynasties Clay Sculptures

Five Dynasties Clay Sculptures

Some of China's rarest Buddhist sculptures from the 10th century are in Zhenguo Temple. In the main hall, there is a central statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Disciples and bodhisattvas are on both sides of the Buddha. The way the clothes' folds and the faces are made shows fine workmanship. These statues are different from those in the later Ming-Qing era. They have the simpler and more serious style of early Chinese Buddhist art. Thanks to the work done to keep them in good condition, we can still see their not-bright colors and the worn textures.

Bell and Drum Towers

The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are located on both sides of the temple courtyard. These two towers represent Buddhist cosmology. The bell stands for compassion, and the drum stands for wisdom. You can climb the narrow stairs of the Bell Tower. From there, you can have a look at the temple's wide roof ridges and the farmland around it. There is an 800-year-old bronze bell. People don't ring it every day now. But it has inscriptions on it, which tell about its restoration during the Ming dynasty.

Ancient Stelae Collection

There are more than 20 stone stelae (carved tablets) scattered all over the temple grounds. They record renovations, donations from donors, and historical events starting from the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). The most remarkable one is dated 1345 CE. It even has a rare map of Pingyao's layout in the medieval times. You can also find inscriptions in both Chinese and Mongolian from the Yuan dynasty. These inscriptions show the multicultural influences of that time.