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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)