Huayan Temple

(Image source: www.shanxichina.gov.cn)

Huayan Temple is the largest and most complete temple among the existing temples built in Liao and Jin Dynasties. It’s the key relic protection unit and is built according to Huayan Sutra, a classic Buddha sutra. It was named after it. The upper Huayan Temple, also called the upper one, is centered by Mahavira Hall. It was built in 1062 (the eighth year of Emperor Qingning of Liao Dynasty) and is the biggest Buddha palace among the existing temples of Liao and Jin Dynasties and it’s also one of the largest temple in China. The lower Huayan Temple is also called the lower one. The Palace of Collection of Sutra is the most valuable building in the temple and was built in 1038 (the seventh year of Emperor Chongxi of Liao Dynasty). There are 29 statues on alter in this palace. Statues of Buddha and Bodhisatva have the most vivid expressions and good proportions, especially the Bodhisatva statue who puts his palms together and grins, the sculpture art of which is more delicate and is honored as “Eastern Venus”.