Datong Travel Guide | My friends keep asking me about Shanhua Temple, it's so beautiful!

With the popularity of the game Black Myth: Wukong, the ancient architecture of Shanxi has become a hot topic. I finally made my long-awaited trip to Datong, Shanxi. Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple in Datong Ancient City are both featured in the game, and I was pleasantly surprised by the free Shanhua Temple. · Shanhua Temple, also known as the "Southern Temple," was called "Dapuen Temple" during the Liao and Jin dynasties. It is located on Yongtai Street in Datong Ancient City. The temple faces south and is the most complete temple from the Liao and Jin dynasties in China. The Chinese architect Liang Sicheng praised it, saying, "The main hall, Puxian Pavilion, Sansheng Hall, and Shanmen Gate are all relics of the Liao and Jin dynasties. I never expected to find such precious relics in one temple." · [What are the highlights of Shanhua Temple?] Highlight 1: Five-Dragon Screen Wall Originally a screen wall in front of the Shanmen Gate of Xingguo Temple in Datong Ancient City, it was built in the 23rd year of the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty (1595). In 1980, it was moved to the west courtyard of Shanhua Temple for protection due to severe tilting. In 2009, it was moved to its current location. · Highlight 2: Shanmen Gate (Heavenly King Hall) A large official-style building from the early Jin dynasty, it is the largest existing Shanmen Gate in a temple. The Four Heavenly Kings represent the functions of wind, rain, and peace, symbolizing national peace and prosperity. Their expressions are so charming that they have become a popular photo spot at Shanhua Temple. · Highlight 3: Sansheng Hall Named after the "Three Saints of Huayan" enshrined there, it was built during the Tianhui period of the Jin dynasty, along with the Shanmen Gate. The lotus brackets are the largest known slanted brackets, resembling blooming lotus flowers. The Zhu Bian Stele in the hall is the "treasure of the temple," erected during the Jin dynasty and inscribed by Zhu Bian. Zhu Bian was the great-uncle of Zhu Xi, a master of Neo-Confucianism in the Southern Song dynasty. The stele is inscribed with the "Record of the Reconstruction of the Main Hall of Dapuen Temple in Xijing, Great Jin," and has stood in the temple for 848 years. It is also famous for its unique writing, calligraphy, and carving, earning the title of "Three Wonders Stele." · Highlight 4: Puxian Pavilion In 1953, Puxian Pavilion underwent a major renovation, during which a beam inscription was discovered: "Made in the second year of Zhenyuan." The inscription did not specify a dynasty, but was later identified as the second year of the Zhenyuan period of Emperor Dezong of the Tang dynasty (786), only a few years later than the oldest existing wooden structure in China, the main hall of Nanchan Temple on Mount Wutai. · Highlight 5: Mahavira Hall The main hall of Shanhua Temple, one of the eight existing Liao dynasty structures in China, the octagonal caisson is a model of Liao dynasty carpentry. The front of the Mahavira Hall features the magnificent golden Five Buddhas, with solemn expressions and elegant postures. On both sides of the hall are the 24 Heavenly Kings, each with a unique and lifelike appearance, considered the "pinnacle of Jin dynasty sculpture art." The Mahavira Hall also contains 190 square meters of Qing dynasty Buddhist murals, with every stroke and color depicting scenes of the Buddha preaching. · [Check-in Information] Shanhua Temple Tickets: Free Opening hours: 08:30–17:00 Address: No. 6, Nansi Street, Datong Ancient City, Pingcheng District, Datong, Shanxi Province