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Zhenguo Temple
Introducing Pingyao Zhenguo Temple
Zhenguo Temple is a 1000-year-old Buddhist Temple located to the north of Pingyao. Zhengguo is the only remaining temple in China built in the architectural style of the Five Dynasties Period (907-960). It shares the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation together with the Ancient City of Pingyao and Shuanglin Temple.
Originally established as Jingcheng Temple in 963 AD, Zhenguo Temple acquired its current name around 1540 during the Ming Dynasty. This sprawling complex encompasses over 10,000 square meters (2.47 acres), with buildings occupying more than half the space. Its architecture reflects a fascinating fusion of styles, showcasing structures from the Five Dynasties, Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1912) periods. Among its notable buildings are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Tower of Three Buddhas, and halls dedicated to both Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha. The oldest structure, the Hall of Ten-Thousand Buddhas, dates back to the temple’s founding.
Though significantly renovated during the Qing Dynasty, with alterations to its layout, the temple’s historical essence, rooted in earlier structures, remains carefully preserved. This makes it a true gem for those fascinated by architectural history and Buddhist cultural enthusiasts.
Pingyao Zhenguo Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zhen Guo Si 镇国寺
• Best Time to Visit: Apr, May, Sept & Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Buddhism, clay and wood sculpures
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (Apr – Sep), 8:00 – 17:30 (Oct – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY23
• Address: Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province
Why Visit Pingyao Zhenguo Temple
Chinese ancient buildings were built chiefly in timber, which is vulnerable to moisture, fire, insects, and the ravages of time, very little ancient architecture has survived. The oldest datable timber building in China is the Main Hall of the Nanchan Temple, on Mount Wutai, built sometime before 782 during the Tang Dynasty. The second oldest and the largest is the Main Hall of nearby Foguang Temple, built in 857 during the Tang Dynasty. The Ten-Thousand Buddha Hall of Zhenguo Temple is the third oldest wooden structures in China, featuring very large brackets that hold up the roof and flying eaves. It was built in 963 during the Northern Han dynasty. It is the only surviving building that dates from the short-lived Northern Han dynasty. The Ten-Thousand Buddha Hall also contains eleven sculptures from the Northern Han period. These are among the only examples of 10th century Buddhist sculpture that survive from outside the Mogao Grottoes.
What to Expect at Pingyao Zhenguo Temple
Tucked away from the well-trodden tourist paths, Zhenguo Temple offers a peaceful retreat, its presence often missed amidst the clamor for its more famous counterpart, Shuanglin Temple. Yet, within this sacred space, where reflection and appreciation come naturally, one cannot help but be awed by the temple’s resilience against the decay of time.
The Hall of Heavenly Kings
The Hall of Heavenly Kings, with its distinctive overhanging gable roof originating from the Yuan Dynasty, serves as the imposing gateway to the temple complex. Its name derives from the four monumental statues enshrined within, representing the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhist cosmology.
These powerful deities, each entrusted with safeguarding one of the cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west – are revered as vigilant protectors of the world and staunch defenders against evil. Their authority extends to commanding legions of supernatural beings, ensuring the preservation and propagation of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.
The Bell & Drum Towers
Flanking the Hall of Heavenly Kings on both sides are the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, essential elements of a traditional Chinese temple complex. The Drum Tower, perched atop a brick platform to the west, commands attention with its four robust pillars supporting an elegant, upswept roof. Mirroring this design on the eastern side is the Bell Tower, equally striking in its architectural symmetry.
More than mere architectural adornments, the towers used to play a vital role in temple life. The Drum Tower housed a large drum, its rhythmic beat marking the passage of time, announcing significant rituals, and symbolizing the Buddha’s voice reaching distant corners. Similarly, the Bell Tower’s resonant tolls signaled auspicious moments, summoned the community for prayer, and were believed to dispel negative energy. Together, these harmonious sounds resonated throughout the temple grounds, cultivating an atmosphere of profound peace and reverence.
The Hall of Ten-Thousand Buddhas
The Ten-Thousand Buddhas Hall, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, stands as the centerpiece of the temple complex. Remarkably constructed in 963 AD without using a single nail, it claims the title of the third oldest wooden structure in China, follows Nanchan Temple and Foguang Temple.
This square-shaped hall, with its intricate roof design featuring rare tall bracket sets, underwent restoration in 1815 when the current brick walls were added. Inside, 11 remarkable sculptures from the Northern Han period (951-979) catch the eye. The central figure, a sitting sculpture of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas and the watchful figures of the Vajras. Known for their plump figures and distinctive facial expressions, these sculptures are revered as both religious and artistic treasures.
Tower of Three Buddhas
The Tower of Three Buddhas was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty and later rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. The tower’s two levels serve distinct purposes: the upper level houses the main Buddha statues, while the lower level provides a space for worship and meditation. During the Qing Dynasty reconstruction, the 7 colored sculptures and 52 murals were meticulously preserved in their original form, reflecting the artistry and devotion of the temple’s past.
The tower enshrines a triad of Buddhas, each embodying a different facet of enlightenment: Vairocana Buddha (the Dharmakaya Buddha) at the center embodies the ultimate truth of reality; Rocana Buddha (the Sambhogakaya Buddha) to his left represents the blissful manifestation of enlightenment; and Sakyamuni Buddha (the Nirmanakaya Buddha) on the right embodies the historical Buddha who shared the path to liberation. Further enriching the sacred space are four exquisite Bodhisattva statues, crafted during the early Ming Dynasty and gracefully positioned on movable square wooden pedestals.
The Hall of Ksitigarbha
The Hall of Kṣitigarbha, also known as the Hall of Yama. This sacred space centers around the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, his serene presence flanked by his two disciples, the imposing figures of the Ten Yama Kings, the Six Judges of Yama, and the fearsome guardians Gośīrṣa (Ox-Head) and Aśvaśīrṣa (Horse-Face). Each statue bears a unique expression, hinting at the complexities of the afterlife.
Time has taken its toll; humidity has led to peeling paint on many of the statues, some even revealing their inner structure. Yet, most have miraculously survived, including the awe-inspiring Kṣitigarbha and his entourage, with the exception of three Yama Judges and Aśvaśīrṣa. Adorning the hall walls are 14 Qing Dynasty murals, their vibrant colors bringing to life the Six Paths of Reincarnation and the punishments meted out by Yama’s officers to those who stray from a righteous path.
How to Get to Pingyao Zhenguo Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 209 to Zhenguosi Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GoGrandChina to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Pingyao to Zhenguo Temple.
Additional Travel Advice on Pingyao Zhenguo Temple
• No inside photo allowed (enforced by video camera)
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Tour Highlights
• Marvel at Pingyao, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Chinese city, founded in the 14th century
• Admire Shuanglin Temple with over 2,000 painted sculptures, reputed as an Oriental Art Gallery of Painted Sculptures
• Visit Zhenguo Temple, one of China’s earliest and most precious timber structure buildings in existence
• Visit Wang Family Compound, the largest of Shanxi Courtyard Houses which rivals Beijing's Forbidden City in its magnitude!
• Experienced English speaking tour guide
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshmentsAbout This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Pingyao
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Pingyao
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Pingyao
• Visit Shuanglin Temple
• Visit Zhenguo Temple
• Lunch on your own
• Visit Wang Family Compound
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Pingyao
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
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• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
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