I saw the oldest wooden structure in the south of the Yangtze River in Fuzhou!

🏯 In the center of Fuzhou, there hides an ancient temple—Hualin Temple. 🍃 Although the main hall of the temple has been repaired and added with surrounding corridors under the eaves during the Ming and Qing dynasties, its main components are still the original ones from a thousand years ago, making it the oldest wooden building south of the Yangtze River in China. 🌿 This precious building from the Song Dynasty carries profound cultural connotations and historical value. Stepping into this hall, one can immediately feel the simple and elegant aura. The green trees and stone statues around the main hall complement it, creating a serene atmosphere. 🍂 In 1958, during the cultural relics survey, this Mahavira Hall was once identified as a Southern Song Dynasty building. However, after further in-depth investigation and comprehensive mapping, experts found that its style and system bear the legacy of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and its construction dates back no later than the late Five Dynasties and early Northern Song Dynasty. This discovery further highlights the historical value and cultural significance of the hall. ✨ Entering the Mahavira Hall and looking up at the exquisite caisson ceiling and the simple beam frame structure, one can see the exquisite craftsmanship and infinite wisdom of the ancient artisans. Standing here is like traveling through time and space, back to that distant era. 🌲 Currently, there are no Buddha statues inside the main hall, but there is a model of the hall and an exhibition on the knowledge of Chinese wooden architecture. 😘 If you come to Fuzhou, whether you are a fan of ancient buildings or not, Hualin Temple's main hall is not to be missed. It's right in the city center, not far from the core scenic areas, and accessible by subway.