Shanhua Temple

Shanhua Temple is an ancient temple first built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. Having weathered the vicissitudes of time, its name has changed several times. Starting from Kaiyuan Temple initially, it became Dapuen Temple after the Five Dynasties, then was rebuilt and restored in the Jin Dynasty, and finally was named Shanhua Temple by Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty. It bears the weight of history.

Shanhua Temple is the most completely-laid-out and largest-scale temple building from the Liao and Jin dynasties that still exists in China. Among them, the Mahavira Hall of the Liao Dynasty, as well as the Sansheng Hall, Tianwang Hall, and Samantabhadra Pavilion of the Jin Dynasty. Three hip-roof buildings and four architectures from the Liao and Jin dynasties are preserved within one temple, which is unique to Shanhua Temple in China.

Highlights of Shanhua Temple

The Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall is undoubtedly the core and soul of Shanhua Temple. With its wide breadth and depth, and a single-eaved five-ridged roof architectural style, its single-unit area of over 1,200 square meters ranks third among Liao-Dynasty buildings in the country. Stepping into the hall, the five-direction Buddha statues in the middle are solemn and majestic. From Akshobhya Buddha in the east to Amitabha Buddha in the west, and then to Subtle-Sound-Heard Buddha in the north, their appearances are solemn, dignified and elegant, with smooth folds of their robes, as if silently telling the boundless Dharma. The twenty-four Devas statues on both sides have different expressions and distinct personalities. Some glare angrily, while others have a kind and gentle look, vividly demonstrating the sculptural art of the Liao and Jin dynasties. The murals in the hall add a bit of mystery and splendor to this great hall.

The Sansheng Hall

The Sansheng Hall is located in the middle of the temple, on a brick-built platform base about 1.5 meters high. It has a single-eaved hip-roof, and the brackets under the eaves are delicate. The original Sansheng of Huayan sculptures in the Jin Dynasty in the hall, although refurbished by people, still exude a simple and ancient charm.

The Tianwang Hall

The Tianwang Hall, now serving as the mountain gate, has a breadth of five bays and a depth of two bays, with a single-eaved hip-roof. It is the largest mountain gate in the Jin Dynasty. The four statues of the Heavenly Kings, sculpted in the Ming Dynasty, are imposing figures; frowning brows and fierce glaring eyes display their dignity.

The Samantabhadra Pavilion

The Samantabhadra Pavilion

The Samantabhadra Pavilion has a double-eaved nine-ridged roof and was rebuilt in the second year of Zhenyuan in the Jin Dynasty. The pavilion-style architectural style is uniquely charming. The numerous Jin-Dynasty and Ming-Dynasty statues preserved in the temple seem to have souls. The Jin-Dynasty painted sculptures centered around the "Hariti" are full of legendary colors. From her ferocity when doing evil to her kindness and beauty after converting to Buddhism, the craftsmen, through ingenious shaping, show the transformation of human nature and the mercy of the Dharma.

With its rare architectural style, sophisticated statues and murals, Shanhua Temple is a gem of the Liao and Jin dynasties, a pearl shining brilliantly in the long history and attracting numerous people to discover and appreciate it.