Huayan Temple
Pinnacle of Liao-Jin Buddhist architecture; following the Liao-dynasty Khitan 'sun worship' custom, it sits west and faces east—an orientation rare among Chinese Buddhist temples
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- 08:30-18:00
- Ticket
- CNY 65
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
The pinnacle of Liao and Jin dynasty Buddhist architecture. Following the Liao-era Khitan 'sun worship' custom, the temple sits west and faces east—an orientation rare among Chinese Buddhist temples. The Bojiajiaocang Hall (Sutra Repository Hall) is an original Liao structure from 1038, and its Liao-dynasty clay statue of the 'Bodhisattva with joined palms and a tooth-baring smile' is hailed as the 'Venus of the East.' The Mahavira Hall, a Jin-dynasty building of 941m², ranks among the largest ancient Buddhist halls still standing in China. Liang Sicheng surveyed the temple and listed it among the masterpieces of Chinese architectural history; the antique-style street beside the temple makes an easy add-on visit.
Getting there: On foot within the ancient city
Photos
More in Datong
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- Datong Ancient City Wall
Ming-dynasty wall of Datong Prefecture, expanded by Xu Da; 7.2km in circumference, restored and fully reconnected in 2016, with complete gate towers and barbicans on all four sides—a full display of the grandeur of this 'Lock and Key of the North,' a stronghold among the Nine Border Garrisons
- Shanhua Temple
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