Shanhua Temple
善化寺 · 청 구 (다퉁 시)
building in Datong, China
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Shanhua Temple
Welcome to the Shanhua Temple, an architectural gem nestled in the southern part of Datong's ancient city. Locally known as the 'South Temple' due to its proximity to the city's south gate, its name literally translates to the…
Listen in the app2The Gate of Heavenly Kings
Our journey begins at the Temple Gate, which also serves as the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. This structure is a remarkable artifact of the Jin Dynasty, having been rebuilt between 1128 and 1143 after the previous building was…
Listen in the app3The Hall of the Three Worthies
Moving north from the gate, we reach the Hall of the Three Worthies. This building is a masterpiece of the mid-12th century, rebuilt by the Jin between 1128 and 1143. …
Listen in the app4The Pavilions of Puxian and Manjusri
On the east and west sides of the courtyard between the Three Worthies Hall and the Mahavira Hall stand two symmetrical two-story pavilions. To the west is the Puxian (Samantabhadra) Pavilion, and to the east is the Manjusri…
Listen in the app5The Mahavira Hall: The Liao Dynasty Masterpiece
We now arrive at the culmination of the temple: the Mahavira Hall, or the Great Hall of the Buddha. This is the oldest and largest building in the complex, dating from the 11th century during the Liao Dynasty. …
Listen in the app6The Twenty-Four Guardian Deities
While the Buddhas occupy the center of the Mahavira Hall, some of the most artistically stunning features of Shanhua Temple are the twenty-four statues of Guardian Deities lined up along the east and west walls. These statues,…
Listen in the app7The Five-Dragon Screen and Temple Environs
Before we finish our tour, we must visit the five-dragon screen wall near the southern entrance. This vibrant wall is made of colored glazed tiles and depicts five lively dragons playing among the waves and clouds. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our visit to the Shanhua Temple, it is worth reflecting on the meaning of its name: 'Betterment.' For over a thousand years, this site has been dedicated to the idea of self-improvement and the spreading of…
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What is Shanhua Temple?
Shanhua Temple is a place in 청 구 (다퉁 시) with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 청 구 (다퉁 시) |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.0858, 113.2936 |
| Last updated |