The Treasure of Ancient Chinese Architecture - Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao

✅Zhenguo Temple in Pingyao was founded in the seventh year of Tianhui during the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties, originally named "Jingcheng Temple". It was renamed "Zhenguo Temple" during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 1400 years. ❤Treasures of Zhenguo Temple: ✅1. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is the main hall of Zhenguo Temple, built in the seventh year of Tianhui (963 AD). Despite numerous renovations over the dynasties, it still retains the architectural style of the Five Dynasties. It is one of the three extant Five Dynasties buildings in Chinese Buddhist temples and one of the oldest wooden structures in China, earning the reputation of a 'millennial treasure'. ✅2. Colored Sculptures The colored sculptures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas include only three figures sculpted during the Ming Dynasty and repainted during the Qing Dynasty. The rest are original works from the Five Dynasties, which are the only Five Dynasties works preserved in temple halls nationwide. They are also the only known Five Dynasties colored sculptures in China, apart from those in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang. ✅3. The Half Stele The half stele in the east and west stele pavilions is a relic from the Five Dynasties, said to be the tombstone of Liu Chong's grandson, Liu Jiqin, from the Northern Han Dynasty. The incomplete inscriptions record the court struggles of the Northern Han regime. ✅4. Ancient Bell The iron bell hanging in the bell tower of Zhenguo Temple was cast in the fifth year of the Huangtong era of the Jin Dynasty, over eight hundred years ago. It is the oldest among the ancient bells of the temples in Pingyao and is rare throughout the country. ✅5. Millennium Ancient Scholar Trees There are two millennium-old scholar trees in the temple. The one on the west side is indistinguishable from ordinary scholar trees, while the one on the east side has twisted and interwoven branches, known as the "Dragon Scholar Tree", which is one of the great wonders of Zhenguo Temple. ✅6. Others Zhenguo Temple also houses the Yuan Dynasty Hall of Heavenly Kings, Qing Dynasty Four Heavenly Kings, Ming Dynasty Hall of Yama, Qing Dynasty colored sculpture murals, and more. ❤Tips: 1. This is a niche attraction. The temple is small and very quiet, without the smell of incense smoke. There are mostly individual visitors, and the guide provides detailed explanations about the history and features of the "Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas" and the colored sculptures inside. 2. The adult ticket price is 25 yuan, and it's free for people over 60 years old. 3. Parking is free. 4. The recommended visiting time is about 1 hour.