Zhatang Temple

Shannan Zhatang Monastery was founded in 1081 by Zhaba Enxie, a disciple of Rumén Chuchen Xirao, and had close ties with the Shijie and Nyingma sects. The Zatang Monastery is based on the Pala painting style, interspersed with the highlight shading of Khotan and the patterns of Sassanid Persia. The picture of Maitreya and Manjusri Bodhisattvas debating on the Dharma, which remains in the rear hall, has figures that are graceful without being gaudy, dignified without being artificial, refined without being complicated, and have the noble and peaceful expressions of samadhi. The arhats in the picture of Buddha preaching are arranged in a stacked manner, with beards, Sanskrit features, high barrel-bound hair, and Tibetan lapels. The shape of the offering ladies still retains the Tang Dynasty style. If the paint is replaced with malachite green, it would appear to be Zhou Fang's water moon style. When observing it, it feels as if you are in the Mogao Grottoes or Yulin Grottoes in the Hexi Corridor.