Yuanzhao Temple

Welcome to Yuanzhao Temple, a Buddhist temple located in Taihuai Town of Wutai County, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China. This temple has a rich history dating back to the early years of Yongle period of Ming dynasty when the Nepalese Buddhist monk Shilisha came to China to preach Buddhism. To commemorate him, Xuande Emperor gave orders to build a Buddhist temple in Mount Wutai. The temple is built along the central axis and consists of several halls and rooms on both sides, including wing-room and dormitory. The Shanmen, Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and Dugang Hall are some of the main attractions of this temple. The Shanmen is usually built in a row with a big one in the middle and two small ones on two sides, but the shanmen of Yuanzhao Temple are built in a row with a big one in the middle and four small ones on two sides, so the shanmen are known as the Wuchaomen. On both sides of the shanmen, there are two Chinese guardian lions. The Hall of Four Heavenly Kings is another must-visit attraction of this temple. It has a width of 26 meters and a depth of 18 meters, with a construction area of 495 square meters. The Maitreya Buddha and Four Heavenly Kings' statues are enshrined in this hall. They are the eastern Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the southern Virūḍhaka, the western Virūpākṣa, and the northern Vaiśravaṇa. Inside the hall, two plaques with Chinese couplets are hung on the two side pillars. The couplet says "出则弘称，六度化七趣，同归正党；人以德量，三脱疑四圣，共证泥洹". The Mahavira Hall is another important hall in this temple. It has a width of 19.8 meters and a depth of 13 meters. Under the eaves is a plaque written by Qianlong Emperor in the Qing dynasty. Apart from these main attractions, there are over 10 halls and rooms on both sides of the central axis, including wing-room and dormitory. The temple also offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to meditate and reflect. To fully experience the beauty and history of Yuanzhao Temple, it is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide detailed information about the temple's history and significance. Visitors should also dress modestly and respectfully as this is a religious site. Overall, Yuanzhao Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism or Chinese history. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Location: Shanxi

Architectural style: Chinese architecture

Source: Wikimedia