Not just Yungang! This royal ancient temple in Datong amazed Liang Sicheng

In the southwest corner of the ancient city wall of Datong lies Huayan Temple, a Buddhist sacred site that brought Liao and Jin architectural art to its peak (founded in the 7th year of Liao Chongxi, 1038 AD). This royal temple, named after the Avatamsaka Sutra, is not only the earliest and most complete existing Liao and Jin Buddhist architectural complex in China but also tells the ancient Khitan custom of "worshiping the sun facing east" through its unique "west-facing east" layout. 🌟【Main Attractions and Highlights】: 1️⃣ Huayan Temple is divided into the Upper Temple and the Lower Temple. The Upper Temple centers around the Mahavira Hall. From afar, the Mahavira Hall standing on a tall platform impresses with its majestic grandeur. The hall uses the Jin dynasty’s "reduced column method," reducing 12 inner columns, making the front space exceptionally spacious for arranging Buddha statues and conducting Buddhist ceremonies. Inside, the Five Directional Buddhas are enshrined, flanked by statues of the Twenty Heavenly Protectors. The ceiling’s caisson and paintings are exquisitely crafted. The hall’s chiwen (mythical roof ornament) is 4.5 meters high, one of the largest surviving in China, shining brightly after more than 800 years of weathering. 2️⃣ The Lower Temple’s Bhagavata Scripture Hall is the essence of Huayan Temple. If the Mahavira Hall is a grand symphony, then the Bhagavata Scripture Hall is a delicate chamber music. This hall itself is one of the eight surviving wooden structures from the Liao dynasty in China, extremely precious. Inside are 31 Liao dynasty polychrome sculptures, including a bodhisattva with palms together and exposed teeth, graceful and elegant, known as the "Eastern Venus," the temple’s treasure. Additionally, the heavenly palace pavilion carvings inside are superb, praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng as a "unique masterpiece in the world," a treasure of Liao dynasty small wooden architecture. 3️⃣ Huayan Pagoda: China’s second-largest pure wooden mortise-and-tenon square pagoda, 43.5 meters tall. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city of Datong. Beneath the pagoda, the nearly 500-square-meter Thousand Buddha Underground Palace is made of over 100 tons of pure copper, enshrining the relics of a high monk. Under dim lighting, the copper Buddha statues and murals emit a mysterious and solemn aura. 4️⃣ When touring Huayan Temple, focus your gaze on the north-south axes. The northern line centers on the Upper Temple’s Mahavira Hall, while the southern line centers on the Lower Temple’s Bhagavata Scripture Hall. One hall is majestic, the other exquisite, together supporting the temple’s backbone and soul. ❤️【Attractions】: ✅ The charm of Huayan Temple lies not only in its grand architecture and exquisite sculptures but also in its fusion of Khitan, Jurchen, and other ethnic cultural features. It is not just a museum of relics but living history. Every brick, every carving carries a millennium of historical memory, making visitors feel as if they have traveled through time to an era of multicultural integration. 🚩【Travel Tips】: 📌 Classic 2-hour route: Shanmen Gate → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Mahavira Hall (focus on murals and heavenly protector statues) → Bhagavata Scripture Hall (carefully appreciate Liao dynasty polychrome sculptures) → Huayan Pagoda (climb for a view of the ancient city) → Cultural and creative shop for a stamp. 📌 In-depth half-day tour: Based on the classic route, add visits to Guanyin Pavilion and Dizang Pavilion, see the stone sutra pillars and steles preserved in the temple. In the afternoon, join the free scheduled guided tours offered by the visitor center (check times on site) or rent a 20 RMB audio guide. 🚘【Transportation Guide】: 🚙 Self-driving: Navigate to "Huayan Temple." There are parking lots around the scenic area, convenient for parking. About 15 minutes by car from downtown. 🚎 Bus: Take bus routes 4 or 38 to "Huayan Temple" stop. It’s recommended to try the ancient city tourist shuttle (inner loop or scenic spot shuttle), costing only 1 RMB, connecting Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Drum Tower, Nine-Dragon Wall, and other core ancient city attractions, very convenient. 🚄 High-speed rail: After arriving at Datong South Station, take a taxi for about 20 minutes, costing around 30 RMB, or take bus 608 directly. 🔴【Notes】: 👌 Etiquette: The temple is a Buddhist sacred site; keep quiet, avoid loud noises, dress appropriately, and avoid overly revealing clothing. 🌿 Cultural relic protection: Do not touch the polychrome sculptures and murals inside the halls. Turn off flash when taking photos to avoid damaging the relics. 😑 Respectful behavior: After entering the main hall, it is recommended to walk clockwise. Do not touch Buddha statues, murals, or ancient wooden structures.