Shuanglin Temple, Buddhist temple in Qiaotou village near Pingyao, China.
Shuanglin Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in a village setting southwest of Pingyao, with ten halls arranged across three courtyards. Each courtyard contains skillfully painted clay figures mounted on wooden frames, representing over a thousand years of sculptural craftsmanship.
Its founding in the 6th century under the Northern Qi Dynasty established this place as an early Buddhist center in the region. Later work during Ming and Qing periods transformed its appearance and reinforced its role as a religious site.
The temple displays representations of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and celestial guardians created by local artisans across centuries. These figures reflect religious beliefs that remain visible to visitors today.
The temple is located in a village outside Pingyao and is reachable on foot or by local transport. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to explore all the courtyards and sculptures at a leisurely pace.
Some figures display remarkable details in their facial features and poses that reveal exceptional craftsmanship from different eras. The oldest sculptures come from much earlier periods than newer additions, giving this place a layered history visible in the artwork.
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