Main Hall of Zhenru Temple, Buddhist temple hall in Putuo District, Shanghai, China
The Main Hall of Zhenru Temple is a wooden structure with 16 poles, of which 10 are original timber from the Yuan Dynasty construction. The hall's framework is defined by these wooden supports that carry the full weight of the roof and walls.
The temple was founded in 1320 by Monk Miao Xin during the Yuan Dynasty and remains the oldest surviving timber structure south of the Yangtze River. The choice of wood as the primary building material reflects the construction methods of that era.
The main space holds a jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that reflects Buddhist spiritual practice and artistic skill. Visitors can observe how the statue's placement and craftsmanship shape the way people engage with the hall.
Visitors can reach this hall by taking Metro Line 11 to Zhenru Station and using Exit 5 toward Tongchuan Road. The age of the structure means some areas may have limited accessibility, so wear comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces.
The structure gained its name from the way its front and back gold poles lean inward toward the center, a distinctive feature. This architectural detail is an unusual characteristic of Yuan Dynasty construction that few visitors notice.
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