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Aurora HarringtonUnited States

Beijing 1 Hour|The Silent Shock of the Millennium Wooden Structure at Dule Temple in Jizhou

In Jizhou City, Tianjin, Dule Temple stands quietly amidst the bustling market life. This ancient temple, founded during the Tang Dynasty, houses the oldest existing wooden pavilion in China. The plaque above the mountain gate bearing the three characters "Dule Temple" is said to be the work of Yan Song. When you truly stand before the Guanyin Pavilion, which has endured the Liao Dynasty and was rebuilt in its second year yet still retains Tang Dynasty style, you understand what it means that "architecture is frozen history." The moment you step through the mountain gate, you are speechlessly struck by the 16-meter-tall statue of the Eleven-Faced Guanyin. Unlike the solemnity typical of most temples, this space is filled with the grandeur of the Tang and Liao periods. The Guanyin’s slightly forward-leaning posture has withstood numerous earthquakes over a thousand years without toppling, subtly aligning with modern architectural mechanics. Turning behind the Guanyin statue reveals another stunning sight! The suspended sculpture behind Guanyin resembles seven colorful auspicious clouds growing from the flesh, and although the paint has been restored, the bright original hues of azurite and cinnabar are still visible. The flowing lines of the garments fluttering in the wind preserve the distinct charm of the Tang Dynasty. The three must-see highlights inside the temple: 1️⃣ Guanyin Pavilion Wooden Structure: The entire pavilion is built without a single nail or rivet, supported layer upon layer by 24 types of dougong bracket sets. Its construction technique of "side legs" and "rising" makes the whole building as stable as a tree rooted in the ground. 2️⃣ Eleven-Faced Guanyin Statue: The main clay sculpture with painted colors has outstretched arms like branches, and the compassionate face gazes at all beings from every angle. It is considered the most complete Liao Dynasty statue preserving its original appearance before modern restoration. 3️⃣ Ming Dynasty Murals: The walls are covered with images of the Sixteen Arhats and Ming kings. Though some parts have peeled off, the brilliant cinnabar and malachite colors remain visible, and the lines still convey the elegant style of fluttering ribbons. 4️⃣ Suspended Guanyin Sculpture: A closer look reveals the intricate structure hidden within the suspended sculpture, with a wooden frame, hemp and mud modeling, and faint traces of mineral pigments. 💟 Architectural Essence: 1. Structural Wisdom: The three-story pavilion is a two-story hollow structure with diagonal braces in the hidden layer, reducing weight while enhancing earthquake resistance. 2. Spatial Design: Through the use of flat platforms and well-shaped beam frames, a grand effect of a full-height Buddha niche is created within a limited space. 3. Detail Features: The robust chiwen (mythical roof ornaments), deep eaves, and spacious dougong brackets retain typical features transitioning from Tang to Liao style. Standing inside the Guanyin Pavilion looking up, you suddenly understand why Mr. Liang Sicheng was so moved when he saw this place back then~ These timbers are not just building materials but messengers of time. The 28-degree inward-leaning column grid and the lotus-like clusters of dougong all tell the ancient wisdom of "eight grades of timber." Noon sunlight passes through the straight lattice windows, casting scattered light spots on the mottled floor. At a certain moment when you look up, you suddenly meet the downward gaze of Guanyin. That compassion beyond time and space instantly moves me standing in the pavilion’s shadow. 📍 Transportation: ✅ Self-driving navigation: Jizhou Dule Temple, the scenic area has a dedicated parking lot. ✅ Public transport: Take the Jizhou line from Beijing Sihui Bus Station (about 1.5 hours), then a ten-minute walk to the temple. 🌟 Helpful tip: You can arrange a half-day tour including White Pagoda Temple, Drum Tower, Confucian Temple, and Luban Temple, all within walking distance. Combined ticket costs 40 RMB. I’m Yilan, a travel-loving photographer. Come explore fun and beautiful new ❤️ places with me~
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Posted: Oct 22, 2025
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