Shanxi Travel | Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao.

|Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao. Shanxi Travel | Zhen Guo Temple in Pingyao Zhen Guo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, and Pingyao Ancient City jointly applied for World Cultural Heritage status. When traveling to Jinzhong, Shanxi, in addition to Pingyao Ancient City, Zhen Guo Temple and Shuanglin Temple are also worth visiting. Each has its own unique charm and historical and cultural value. Zhen Guo Temple is known for its profound historical heritage and ancient architectural style, while Shuanglin Temple is famous for its unique artistic style and exquisite Buddhist statues. Zhen Guo Temple is located in Haodong Village, 15 kilometers northeast of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. It was built in the seventh year of the Tianhui period of the Northern Han Dynasty during the Five Dynasties (963 AD). It was originally named "Jingcheng Temple" and was renamed "Zhen Guo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, a name that has been used to this day. The temple has been rebuilt and renovated many times during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The existing temple has two courtyards, facing south. Architecture: The Wanfo Hall is the main hall of the temple and the essence of the entire temple. It is nearly square in shape, with three rooms wide and three rooms deep. There is no moon platform in front of the hall, and the platform is relatively low. It has a single-eave hip and gable roof, large bucket arches, and deep eaves. The main room has a door, and the second room has a window sill. The shape is simple and it is an excellent ancient building from the Five Dynasties. Colored sculpture: The 11 colored statues in the Wanfo Hall are all original works from the Five Dynasties. In addition to a small number of colored sculptures from the Five Dynasties preserved in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the colored sculptures of the Five Dynasties in Zhen Guo Temple are the only remaining works in China. They occupy a high position in the history of Chinese art and sculpture and are of great value. The 11 statues from the Five Dynasties in the Wanfo Hall include one Buddha, two disciples, two bodhisattvas, two attendants, two vajras, and two donors. Each statue is lifelike. The main statue is the Buddha Sakyamuni, who is dressed in gold, looks natural, and is full of majesty and sanctity.