Linfen | Visit the Millennium National Treasure Temple - Pujing Temple for Free

Pujing Temple in Xiangfen is located in Zhaokang Town, Xiangfen County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. It is a historic Buddhist temple with significant historical, artistic, and religious value. Founding Period: It is said that Pujing Temple was founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty (around the 2nd century AD), but the existing buildings mainly date from the Song, Jin, Ming, and Qing dynasties, having undergone multiple renovations. Historical Development: The temple reached its peak during the Song and Jin periods, with renovations in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The main buildings and sculptures that remain today mostly retain the Song and Jin styles, with traces of later renovations. Architectural Layout and Features Overall Structure: The temple faces south and follows a traditional central axis symmetrical layout. The main existing buildings include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Arhat Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Hall. Main Hall Features: The Mahavira Hall is the core building of the temple, believed to be a relic from the Song and Jin periods. It has a single-eaved gable roof, five bays wide, with a simple and majestic structure. The beams and brackets reflect the architectural style of the Song and Jin periods. Art Treasures: Clay Sculptures: The halls preserve Buddhist statues from the Song and Jin periods, including Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra. The statues are dignified, with flowing robes, and have high artistic value. Murals: Some halls have remaining Ming dynasty murals, mainly depicting Buddhist stories. Although the colors have faded, the craftsmanship of the time can still be seen. Inscriptions: The temple has inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties, recording the history of the temple's renovations. Travel Tips: The temple is relatively remote, so it is recommended to drive or hire a car to visit. It can be combined with visits to other nearby historical sites in Xiangfen (such as Dingcun Site and Taosi Site).