Huayan Temple
Buddhist temple in Datong, China
About
History
- ๐ Liao Dynasty: Established in 1038 during the Chongxi period (1032โ1055).
- โ๏ธ Yuan Dynasty: Reconstructed under the supervision of abbot Huiming during Emperor Wuzong's reign (1308โ1311).
- ๐ฅ Qing Dynasty: Suffered a devastating fire in 1648, leaving only the Mahavira Hall and Buddhist Texts Library.
- ๐๏ธ People's Republic of China: Received significant protection and restoration efforts from the government post-1949.
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Architecture
- ๐ฏ Mahavira Hall: Rebuilt in 1140, it is nine rooms wide and five rooms deep, covering 1,559 square meters.
- ๐ Chiwen: Features giant Chiwen, a legendary animal with a dragon head and fish tail, on the main ridge.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Frescoes: Inner walls adorned with 21 frescoes from the Guangxu era (1875โ1908) of the Qing dynasty.
- ๐ฟ Statues: Enshrines statues of the Five Tathagathas, carved during the Xuande period (1426โ1435) of the Ming dynasty.
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Main Attractions
- ๐ฏ Upper Huayan Monastery: Features the Great Hall, Kwan-yin Pavilion, and Ksitigarbha Pavilion.
- ๐ Lower Huayan Monastery: Houses the Sutra Hall with 38 sutra cabinets and notable Liao sculptural groups.
- ๐ผ Huayan Pagoda: A 43-meter-high pagoda with a 500-square-meter underground palace constructed with 100 tons of copper.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Murals: Large-scale murals in the Mahavira Hall, painted during the Qing dynasty.
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Visitor Information
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- ๐ธ Entrance Fee: 50 RMB.
- ๐ Transportation: Conveniently located in downtown Datong, accessible by taxi or Public Bus 18.
- ๐ธ Photo Spots: Numerous photo opportunities, including a panoramic view from the pagoda.
Nearby Attractions
- ๐ Nine Dragon Screen: A famous attraction nearby.
- ๐ Moslem Mosque: Another nearby site worth visiting.
- ๐ฏ City Tower: Located close to the temple.
- ๐๏ธ Shopping Area: Conveniently located near the temple for shopping.
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| Travel Information |
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| ๐ย ย ย Address: 38R7+6V5, Yuhe W Rd, Ping Cheng Qu, Datong, Shanxi, China, 037049 |
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