Heritages offer a glimpse of ancient Pingyao

( chinadaily.com.cn)

Shuanglin Temple

Shuangling Temple, founded in the 6th century, is renowned for its collection of over 2,000 clay sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the Ming Dynasty. The sculptures of various sizes are vivid and graceful. They were highly valued by experts from the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements.

Zhenguo Temple, originally named Jingcheng Temple, was first built in the Northern Han Dynasty, which exited during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (AD 907-960). It is renowned for its architecture. The Ten-Thousand Buddha Hall is most representative of China’s classic timberwork. The antique painted statues in the hall feature late Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) style. They serve as fundamental reference points for the study of Chinese sculpture history as well as the sculpture styles in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Pingyao has six major historical and cultural sites protected at the provincial level.

The Main Hall of Confucian Temples in Pingyao features exceptional Jin Dynasty-style.

Cixiang Temple located in Jiguo village was reconstructed in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). The lofty Lutai Tower stands within it.

Qing Xu Taoist Temple was founded in the 7th century and restored in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Its Dragon Hall is noteworthy for its unique architecture.

The City Tower stands in the center of Pingyao. It was reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty.

Built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Jinzhuang Confucian Temple has a collection of painted sculptures of Confucius and his disciples.

Rishengchang Draft Bank, China’s first bank-like organization, is located in Pingyao. It is now a museum where people can learn about China’s banking history.