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Shuanglin Temple
Introducing Pingyao Shuanglin Temple
Shuanglin Temple is a magnificent Buddhist temple in Pingyao. Shuanglin Temple is famous for its collection of over 2,000 colorful clay statues. It stands tall in the countryside about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) southwest of the ancient city of Pingyao. Founded in the 6th century or even earlier, this temple is famous for its breathtaking collection of over 2,000 colorful clay statues. These incredible figures, depicting gods, warriors, Buddhas, and other fascinating characters, were crafted between the 12th and 19th centuries, earning Shuanglin Temple the nickname “museum of colored sculptures.”
This temple shares the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation with the Ancient City of Pingyao and Zhenguo Temple. Built like a fortress, it is enclosed by a towering wall with a grand entrance. Inside, the buildings are arranged in a specific order, running from south to north. The most important halls, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Shakyamuni Hall, are found along this central path. Other halls, dedicated to various deities, are located on either side, creating a sense of balance and harmony.
A journey through Chinese Buddhist history is incomplete without a visit to Shuanglin Temple. This is more than just a temple; it’s a portal to the past, where visitors can witness centuries-old sculptures and architecture preserved in their original splendor.
Pingyao Shuanglin Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Shuang Lin Si 双林寺
• Best Time to Visit: Apr, May, Sept & Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 hours
• Things to Do: Buddhism, clay and wood sculpures
• Opening Hours: 8:00 to 19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY33
• Address: Qiaotou Village, Zhongdu Township, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province
History of Pingyao Shuanglin Temple
Originally called Zhongdu Temple due to its location within the ancient city of that name, Shuanglin Temple was once a grand landmark with an impressive seven-story pagoda. While the exact origins of the temple are shrouded in the mists of time due to lost records, a tantalizing clue remains in a stone inscription. Though faded with age, the inscription reveals a crucial detail: the temple underwent a major renovation in the year 571 AD during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577). This clearly indicates an even earlier founding date, pushing the temple’s existence back over 1,400 years.
The temple’s name changed to Shuanglin Temple during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The name change likely connects to the Buddhist story of Shakyamuni’s death, known as “Passing into Nirvana between the Twin Sal Trees.” Buddhist scriptures recount that the Buddha, nearing his death, lay down on his right side with his head pointing north and facing west, between two Sal trees on the banks of the Hiranyavati River in the ancient city of Kushinagar of India. At the moment he achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, a miraculous event occurred: the Sal trees, though not in season, burst into bloom with white flowers.
What to Expect at Pingyao Shuanglin Temple
Don’t miss the serene beauty of Shuanglin Temple during your visit to Pingyao. Unlike more frequented temples, Shuanglin offers a rare opportunity for quiet contemplation amidst centuries-old architecture. While the temple’s lighting is subdued and some dust graces the statues, this only adds to the atmosphere, highlighting the age and authenticity of these remarkable clay figures, including the famed Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara. The timber structures, largely untouched by modern restoration, reveal the temple’s age and history in a truly pure way.
Awe-Inspiring Colored Sculptures
Shuanglin Temple stands out for its vibrant and incredibly lifelike sculptures. Drawing inspiration from the artistic traditions of the Song, Jin (1115–1234), Yuan (1271–1368), and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, these sculptures showcase religious themes and scenes from everyday life.
While the temple originally housed 2,052 colored sculptures, today, 1,650 remain. These sculptures, ranging in height from 0.3 to 3.5 meters (1 to 11.5 feet), are presented in various formats, including bas-relief, high relief, and circular forms. Some sculptures even appear as wall murals or hang suspended.
Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Warrior Guards, Arhats, Heavenly Kings, and ordinary people are immortalized in these sculptures. The backgrounds are just as detailed, depicting landscapes of towers, buildings, mountains, rivers, clouds, rocks, grasses, flowers, and forests, creating a rich tapestry of Chinese life and spirituality.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings
Upon entering the Buddhist temple, you are greeted by the grandeur of the Hall of Heavenly Kings. This imposing hall takes its name from the four colossal statues commanding the space within. Towering at 3 meters (9.84 ft) tall, these figures are the Four Heavenly Kings, protectors of the world and champions of the Dharma.
Each King governs a cardinal direction, commanding legions of supernatural beings to ward off evil and uphold righteousness. Dhṛtarāṣṭra, King of the East and God of music, stands with his pipa, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, symbolizing the harmony he maintains. Virūḍhaka, the South’s ruler, wields a sword, symbolizing his power over the wind and the flourishing of life. Virūpākṣa, the watchful eye in the West, holds a serpent representing the dragon, ever vigilant in guiding those who stray from the Buddhist path. Finally, Vaiśravaṇa, the North’s guardian and leader of the four, brandishes an umbrella, a symbol of his command over rain and his role as protector. Under the watchful gaze of the Heavenly Kings, Maitreya Buddha sits in peaceful contemplation, his back to a statue of Avalokitesvara, whose compassionate eyes look northward towards the Shakyamuni Hall.
The Shakyamuni Hall
The Shakyamuni Hall houses a magnificent sculpture of Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, seated serenely on a lotus flower. Flanking him are Manjusri and Samantabhadra, symbols of wisdom and practice, respectively. The walls of the hall come alive with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Shakyamuni’s legendary life. While the stories originated in India, the artistic style is distinctly Chinese, reflecting the aesthetics of the Ming Dynasty.
The Hall of Mahavira
The Mahavira Hall, a grand example of Ming Dynasty architecture, stands as the largest structure within Shuanglin Temple. Reconstructed in the early Ming period, this hall is dedicated to the profound concept of the Trikaya Buddha – the Three Bodies of Buddha.
At the heart of the hall, the Trikaya Buddha statue takes center stage. Representing the Dharmakaya (ultimate reality), the Saṃbhogakaya (divine embodiment), and the Nirmanakaya (physical manifestation), this trinity embodies the multifaceted nature of Buddhahood. Flanking the central figure stand Manjushri, the embodiment of wisdom, and Samantabhadra, representing practice and meditation. Before them, an image of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, completes this powerful tableau.
The Hall of Arhats
The Arhat Hall celebrates the diverse nature of enlightenment through eighteen remarkable sculptures. Each Arhat, having attained profound understanding and liberation by following Buddha’s teachings, embodies a unique aspect of this spiritual awakening.
A magnificent sculpture of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, graces the hall’s center, flanked by these eighteen distinctive Arhats. Their faces, a mosaic of expressions, narrate individual journeys. Some radiate joy, seemingly intoxicated by enlightenment’s bliss, while others bear the marks of illness or deep contemplation. Physical forms vary as well – some stout, others slender – reflecting the myriad ways enlightenment manifests. Their expressions, too, encompass a spectrum of human emotion, from anger to serenity to profound thought.
The mute Arhat, however, commands particular attention. His silence speaks volumes through exaggerated features. Pursed lips, a furrowed brow, and piercing eyes reveal a depth of inner turmoil. His chest and belly strain with each breath, as if burdened by unspoken wisdom. One can almost sense his yearning to speak out against the world’s injustices, a yearning stifled by his vow of silence, leaving his body to communicate the depths of his compassion and frustration.
This gathering of Arhats, each a unique expression of enlightenment, underscores the truth that spiritual awakening is not a fixed endpoint but a path with infinite variations.
The Hall of a Thousand Buddhas
The Hall of One Thousand Buddhas presents a breathtaking display of Ming Dynasty Buddhist artistry. Approximately 500 Bodhisattva sculptures grace the hall, some soaring upon mythical beasts, others poised serenely on auspicious clouds. Near the entrance, thirty smaller figures line the windowsills, depicting the everyday people from nearby villages who generously supported the temple’s construction.
At the heart of this sacred space sits Avalokitesvara, her posture a study in grace and tranquility. Her right leg is bent in meditation, while her left rests delicately upon a lotus leaf. Beside her stands a remarkable sculpture of Skanda, the celestial guardian entrusted with protecting Buddhist sanctuaries. Rendered in vibrant colors, this masterpiece captures Skanda’s strength and vigilance, his legs poised atop a coiled dragon, symbolizing his mastery over earthly temptations.
The Hall of Bodhisattva
Behind the Drum Tower lies the serene sanctuary of the Hall of Bodhisattvas, where compassion takes tangible form. At the heart of this hall stands the awe-inspiring One-thousand-hands Avalokitesvara, a beacon of boundless mercy. While not literally possessing a thousand arms, her twenty-six outstretched limbs, reaching in all directions, symbolize her limitless capacity to aid those in need. Her gentle expression, dignified presence, and vibrant colors radiate a comforting aura throughout the hall.
Adorning the walls are 480 meticulously crafted Bodhisattva sculptures, each a unique expression of enlightenment and compassion. Their faces, a tapestry of emotions, and their gestures, both subtle and grand, reflect the multitude of ways in which they guide sentient beings towards liberation.
How to Get to Pingyao Shuanglin Temple
• By local bus: take Pingyao Bus 108 South Line to Shuanglinsi (Shuanglin Temple)
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Pingyao to Shuanglin Temple.
Additional Travel Advice on Pingyao Shuanglin Temple
• Most sculptures are under bar
• No inside photo allowed (enforced by video camera)