Geyuan Temple, Buddhist temple in Laiyuan County, China
Geyuan Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Laiyuan County with three main buildings arranged along a western orientation rather than following a traditional central axis. The Wenshu Hall, a multi-story sutra pavilion, and the Tianwang Hall form the core structures of this religious site.
The temple was originally built during the Han Dynasty and later reconstructed in the Tang Dynasty period. The Wenshu Hall that stands today dates from 966 CE during the Liao Dynasty and represents this construction phase.
The temple serves as a living center for Buddhist worship, where daily rituals and devotional practices continue today. Local residents and visitors gather here to meditate and participate in religious celebrations that connect them to centuries-old traditions.
Visitors can explore the grounds daily and receive assistance in examining the architectural features. The preserved details like the latticed woodwork on the Wenshu Hall from the 10th century demonstrate the craftsmanship and allow deeper insight into traditional construction methods.
The Wenshu Hall features an unusual square design supported by six rafters and two interior pillars, a refined technical solution. This construction method differs notably from standard building patterns and shows the expertise of the craftsmen of that era.
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