Dule Temple

Dule Temple, located in Ji County, was originally built during the Sui Dynasty and rebuilt during the Liao Dynasty. It is one of only three Liao Dynasty temples still standing. The temple's gate and Guanyin Pavilion are both valuable Liao Dynasty artifacts, while the other buildings were rebuilt after the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The calligraphy on the gate is said to be written by Yan Song, while the calligraphy on the Guanyin Pavilion is said to be from Li Bai's notes. The temple houses a colorful clay statue of Guanyin, as tall as a three-story building. To the south of Dule Temple lies the White Pagoda Temple, which can also be visited together.

Dule Temple, built in the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the 2nd year of the Tonghe reign of the Liao Dynasty (984 AD), is one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. The main structure of the temple is the Guanyin Pavilion, the oldest surviving wooden structure in my country. The pavilion bears the inscription "Complete Perfection" written by Emperor Xianfeng and the inscription "Guanyin Pavilion" written by the poet Li Bai during his 52-year-old travels to Youzhou. Inside the pavilion, a colorful clay statue of Guanyin stands 16 meters tall, with 10 smaller heads, earning it the nickname "Eleven-Faced Guanyin." The ancient temple is remarkably simple and tranquil, a truly sacred site.

The ticket price is 33 yuan, and people over 70 years old are free. There is a cultural relic museum inside, which is closed. The entire scenic area only takes about 30 minutes to tour. Although the time is short, it is also a contribution to the protection of ancient buildings.

my country's three remaining Liao Dynasty temples—Huayan Temple in Datong, Fengguo Temple in Yixian County, and Dule Temple in Jixian County—each possess its own unique characteristics. The first two are somewhat similar, with their highlights primarily focused on their main halls and the sculptures within. Datong Huayan Temple, benefiting from its location in a prefecture-level city and the recent aggressive reconstruction efforts of Mayor Geng, is now not only the largest in scale, but also boasts the restored Pu Guangming Hall and the preserved Bhagavan Relic. Fengguo Temple in Yixian County is the most remote, but the seven Buddha statues in the Main Hall are truly unique.

By comparison, Jixian's Dule Temple is the smallest, with the Guanyin Pavilion as the main attraction. However, as a millennium-old pavilion-style structure, it's unique in China. The standing Guanyin statue within the pavilion is also quite unique, arguably the largest of its kind. The smaller attendants on either side wear armor rather than traditional silk robes and ribbons. On the back, there's a Guanyin statue, the sculpting technique somewhat resembling that of the Mani Hall in Longxing Temple in Zhengding.

There is an independent Weituo Pavilion behind the Guanyin Pavilion. The unique feature is that Weituo is not placed in the mountain gate, but is set up in an independent pavilion.

On the plaque at the highest point of Guanyin Pavilion, beneath the inscription "Guanyin Pavilion," there's a small signature of "Taibai," leading some to speculate that it was written by Li Bai. However, I'm somewhat skeptical. After all, Guanyin Pavilion is considered a Liao Dynasty building, hundreds of years removed from the Tang Dynasty, when Li Bai lived. If Guanyin Pavilion existed in the Tang Dynasty (perhaps allowing Li Bai to write an inscription), and was rebuilt in the Liao Dynasty, how could only the plaque survive, with nothing else to prove it was originally built in the Tang Dynasty?

When buying tickets for Dule Temple, they usually sell package tickets, so you must buy them separately. Other scenic spots were built later, and only the two buildings in Dule Temple were built in the Liao Dynasty. The entire scenic area is not very large and takes about an hour to visit.

Dule Temple, ticket price 50 yuan

Duration: 1 hour

Although Dule Temple is in Tianjin, it is in Jizhou!!!

It takes a staggering two hours to get from Tianjin to Jizhou by train. Even more outrageous is that even for such a short distance, trains are often delayed, with delays of one or two hours being commonplace. It's hard to imagine this is a municipality in 2021; it's like going back to the days of Mr. Liang's field archaeology.

However, Dule Temple itself is still worth a special trip, whether you want to check in two of the eight major Liao structures at once, or simply enjoy its beauty, or even go out of your way to smell the unique musty wood smell of the ancient temple.

Dule Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is located in Jizhou District, Tianjin, China. It is one of only three surviving Liao Dynasty temples in China and one of the most famous ancient structures still standing. Despite its millennium-old history, Dule Temple's history is obscure, with its origins unknown. Its earliest history dates back to the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign (636 AD). The Dule Temple mountain gate and Guanyin Pavilion are Liao Dynasty structures, while the rest were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple is divided into three sections: east, middle, and west. The east and west sections house the monks' quarters and temporary palaces, respectively, while the central section houses the main temple buildings, including the White Mountain Gate, Guanyin Pavilion, and east and west side halls. A wide corridor connects the mountain gate to the main hall.

I'd heard about it a long time ago and stopped by on my way back from Leting. The temple is quite ancient, with a large wooden Buddha statue from the Sui and Liao dynasties. The clerk in the Buddhist hall, an elderly woman, was incredibly rude. I don't know how someone like her could manage to stay so unrefined under the Buddha's watchful eyes. It completely ruined the fun of the visit.

The architecture is very beautiful and the Buddha is very impressive, it is worth a visit.

Dule Temple, located on Yuyang Ancient Street in Jizhou District, Tianjin, is one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in my country. Its Mountain Gate Hall and Guanyin Pavilion still retain murals from the Liao and Yuan dynasties, dating back over 1,000 years. Dule Temple holds considerable historical and cultural value, making it a great destination for those interested in ancient architecture.

Another pilgrimage site in the history of ancient Chinese architecture, it is a model of pavilion architecture from the Song and Liao dynasties. Inside the hall is a very exquisite Thirteen-Faced Guanyin, which are extremely important cultural relics and exquisite works of art.

On both sides of the mountain gate are clay sculptures from the Liao Dynasty and statues of Vajra Warriors (Heng and Ha), and on the inner wall of the mountain gate are murals from the Qing Dynasty. The plaque on the mountain gate of Dule Temple is said to have been inscribed by Yan Song, a treacherous minister of the Ming Dynasty.

I heard about Dule Temple a long time ago because of Liang Sicheng and Lin Weiyin. In the 1930s, they began to look for ancient buildings from the Tang Dynasty. The first thing they discovered was Dule Temple. After an on-site inspection, they determined that this temple was actually a "supreme national treasure."

Dule Temple, just hearing the name is enough to arouse the curiosity of Mr. Xiaoyao. What is this thousand-year-old temple like?

After a careful look around, I realized this is truly a national treasure! If you like architecture, it's definitely worth a visit.

Anyone familiar with Chinese architectural history will undoubtedly remember this ancient Liao Dynasty temple. Dule Temple boasts exquisite architecture, and its Guanyin Pavilion houses the largest existing clay statue of Guanyin, a truly majestic and impressive sight. A visit to Ji County is a must.

It was already 5:30 when we arrived at the scenic area bus stop. We didn’t know if we could still get in, so we ran for our lives. Fortunately, Dule Temple closed at 6:00. Maybe this was fate.

Outside Dule Temple is Yuyang Ancient Street, which is an imitation of ancient buildings.

Dule Temple is worth a visit. The temple's treasure, the Eleven-Faced Guanyin statue, is one of the few giant clay Buddha statues from the Liao Dynasty in China.

The Dule Temple Gate and Guanyin Pavilion are the core buildings in the temple. Friends who are interested in architecture and religion are worth visiting.

I've read so many architectural books that almost all mention this place. After putting it off for a few weekends, I finally made it today. I rushed to Beijing East Railway Station early in the morning and arrived in Jizhou in an hour. Then I took bus 530 to Dule Temple, with a 30 yuan ticket. I was captivated by the mountain gate right at the entrance. The Guanyin Pavilion isn't particularly tall, but its massive brackets make it look incredibly impressive. The interior is even more magnificent and exquisite. The entire visit took about an hour. Jizhou Bus Station to Beijing Sihui takes less than two hours and costs 40 yuan.

There is no noise and splendor of other temples. Here, there is only tranquility and antiquity. Wooden temples that have been preserved for thousands of years, inscriptions by celebrities from past dynasties, and Guanyin statues that are more than two stories high are all scenes that are not easily seen elsewhere.

Dougong flying eaves｡◕‿◕｡, Qianlong's imperial calligraphy｡◕‿◕｡

Dule Temple is close to Yuyang Drum Tower. The scenic area is not very large, and the biggest attraction is the Eleven-Faced Guanyin in Guanyin Pavilion, which is quite interesting...

It is not recommended to go there recently as the mountain gate is under maintenance. Only the Guanyin Pavilion is worth seeing.

Dule Temple may not be familiar to those outside the community, but those in the field often think of Liang Sicheng. Nanjing residents, however, are more likely to associate it with the Nanjing Museum's main hall, though Liang Sicheng was indeed the one who discovered it. However, many people are unaware that the clue that led Liang Sicheng to the temple's discovery came from Yang Tingbao. Busy with his architectural design work, Yang Tingbao contacted Liang Sicheng and shared the information about the temple.

Pictures can't capture the stunning beauty of this Han-style Tantric architecture. I suspect the White Pagoda's fusion of three styles—the covered bowl style, the dense eaves style, and the pavilion style—may have something to do with this. I love the different forms of the mountain gate and Guanyin Pavilion during the day, night, and early morning. I stayed in Jixian specifically for this reason. I'll definitely come back in the future.

There are few wooden structures over a thousand years old in the country. The architectural style is that of the Tang Dynasty. Li Bai's plaque and the two generals Hengha have stood for 1,000 years. The bracket system was highly praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng. Moreover, Mr. Liang also requested the government to allocate funds for protection during the extraordinary period. You must go and see it for these reasons.

A small but wonderful attraction.

Tickets are 37 yuan, and combined tickets are 50 yuan.

The entrance fee is worth it just to see the Mountain Gate and Guanyin Pavilion. Both are Liao Dynasty buildings that impressed Liang Sicheng. The overall mortise and tenon joint structure is truly remarkable.

The eleven-faced Guanyin statue and the reclining Guanyin statue in the Guanyin Pavilion are both very exquisite, and the painted patterns are also well preserved.

Behind the Weito Pavilion are buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some of the statues inside are new to me, like the four crazy monks.

One of the only three remaining Liao Dynasty temples, it can't be said to be very good. It was winter when I went there, so the incense was not strong and there were not many people. The more distinctive one was the Eleven-faced Guanyin

I like the name Dule Temple. It has a kind of arrogance that disdains to associate with ordinary people, and is unique and independent, as well as a kind of calmness that "is not surprised by praise or criticism, and watches the flowers bloom and fall in front of the courtyard."

Dule Temple isn't large, but the ancient buildings are remarkably well-preserved. The Guanyin Hall, in particular, boasts a magnificent statue, over 16 meters tall, seemingly standing tall. The guide said another eight meters of the statue were buried underground. Without the guide's knowledge, a full tour of the temple would probably take only half an hour. The guide was quite knowledgeable, but I wonder if it was due to nervousness or something else, as his explanations were sometimes a bit erratic.

Take bus No. 530, just across from the train station exit, to reach the scenic area. I booked a ticket in advance on Qunar.com for 40 yuan, which was 10 yuan cheaper than at the ticket office. This ticket includes admission to Dule Temple, White Pagoda Temple, Lu Ban Temple, and the Temple of Confucius. The proximity of these four attractions makes it very convenient. Dule Temple isn't large, so it's not very crowded, and the incense isn't very popular, but it's worth exploring. The temple is very quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing break.

Dule Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is located in Jizhou District, Tianjin, China. It is one of only three surviving Liao Dynasty temples and one of the most famous ancient structures in China. Despite its millennium-old history, Dule Temple's history is largely obscure. Its origins are unknown, with the earliest traceable history dating back to the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign (636 AD).

Dule Temple covers a total area of 16,000 square meters. The two oldest existing buildings in the temple, the mountain gate and the Guanyin Pavilion, were both rebuilt in the second year of Tonghe reign of Emperor Shengzong of Liao (984 AD).



The day we visited was sunny and peaceful, with few visitors. The temple was tranquil and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing and relaxing visit to this renowned, millennia-old temple. Whether worshipping my country's tallest surviving colored clay statue of the Standing Guanyin, admiring ancient buildings spanning over a thousand years, or admiring Yuan Dynasty murals lost for over two centuries, each experience left us awestruck and captivated by the profound depths of Chinese culture, the exquisite treasures of Chinese art, the ingenuity of ancient Chinese designers, and the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. It also left us feeling refreshed and relaxed.

One of the eight great Liao Dynasty structures, I came here specially to admire it. The eaves are like wings, which really embodies the spirit of the times.

A taxi from Jixian Railway Station to Dule Temple costs 8 yuan and takes about 5 minutes. Most people who come to Jixian County head for the mountainous area, so Dule Temple isn't as popular. After wandering around the temple for over an hour, I only encountered a small tour group. However, many people still come to burn incense, and the incense is constantly burning. Dule Temple is beautiful, especially the Guanyin statue in the main hall. Numerous jars of lotus flowers are placed throughout the temple, their leaves standing tall and upright, and the buds about to bloom, bringing a vibrant life to this ancient temple.

Dule Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is located in Ji County, Tianjin, China. It is one of only three surviving Liao Dynasty temples and one of the most famous ancient structures in China. Despite its millennium-old history, Dule Temple's history is largely obscure. Its origins are unknown, with the earliest traceable history dating back to the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign (636 AD).

Dule Temple. Ji County was called Yuyang in ancient times, which sounds very nice. Records of Dule Temple date back to the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, and Liang Sicheng even visited the temple. The Eleven-Headed Guanyin statue in Dule Temple is very beautiful, and the Sixteen Arhats painted on the walls are also quite colorful. The existing Dule Temple is relatively small, smaller than expected.

Dule Temple is a truly ancient temple, easily accessible by train from Tianjin or Beijing. It's only about 10 minutes from Jixian Railway Station. Accommodation and dining options are also convenient, with banks and hotels nearby. For dining recommendations, check Dianping.com for recommendations. For admission, you can buy a combined ticket that includes the Lu Ban Temple, the White Pagoda, the Confucian Temple, and other attractions for just 50 yuan, or just the Dule Temple ticket for 30 yuan. I originally wanted to visit Jixian to see its natural beauty, but the summer heat kept me from moving around much. However, the cultural heritage here is even deeper, and Dule Temple is a prime example of this. As one of the few surviving ancient temples in China, built during the Liao Dynasty, it's a truly remarkable experience to experience the traces of history and culture. Numerous celebrities have visited the temple, and numerous inscriptions from various dynasties are also found. Remarkably, the temple still retains numerous clay statues, and it's hard to imagine how they've withstood the ravages of millennia. The Guanyin Pavilion, in particular, houses the enormous "Eleven-Faced Guanyin." I remember standing before the statue and gazing at it, a nearby temple staff member remarked that after a stressful day at work, coming here brings a sense of inner peace. This was both a comment addressed to the tourists and a soliloquy. Of course, the incense here is also very popular, and as a spiritual place, coming here to pay respects and ask for fortunes is surely a solace. The scenery offers distant views of mountains and greenery, and the temple itself is home to many towering ancient trees. More importantly, it's a place to contemplate the laws of life and the universe. It's like the words from the Diamond Sutra inscribed on the temple's wall: "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dewdrops, like lightning; view them in this way." Standing by the wall, one can indulge in long, lost contemplation. That feeling is more than just escaping the hustle and bustle of life. Unfortunately, such an ancient temple is now without its monks, its Three Treasures incomplete. While this situation is common in many places, it ultimately feels less spiritual. Nevertheless, it remains a wonderful place.

Didn't have a chance to go in, seemed to be under repair, could only look at it from the outside.

The reason for giving such a high rating is entirely because of Guanyin Pavilion

As one of the three main halls in Liaodai, its bracketed arches, wooden structure, and Liao Dynasty architecture are all commendable. However, with the exception of the Guanyin Hall, the other parts were built after the Ming Dynasty, which makes the historical sense a bit lacking. For those interested in architecture, it's a must-see! Overall, it's smaller than the other two buildings: Huayan Temple in Datong and Fengguo Temple in Yixian County, Jinzhou.

When the Khitans built temples, when the Manchu emperors wrote elegant calligraphy, when the May Day holiday was only a tail end~

The scenic area is not well maintained. The temple is small. Except for the Guanyin Pavilion, the other buildings and Buddha statues are rebuilt and have little value. The Guanyin Pavilion is very good. There is a standing statue of Guanyin inside, but the stairs to the second floor are blocked, so it is impossible to observe the face of the Buddha statue directly.

Although it is not big, it is really worth a visit. It is amazing that the ancient building with thousands of years of history can be preserved so well. According to the explanation, the four characters of Guanyin Pavilion are the original works of Li Bai, a great poet in the Tang Dynasty. Guanyin Pavilion has experienced 28 earthquakes, including the Tangshan earthquake. During the earthquake, only the top floor kept creaking, and it was not damaged. It is still very well preserved. This is related to the fact that the Guanyin statue is not only on the ground, but also 8 meters deep underground when it was built. There are three floors in total. As for the murals in the hall, according to the explanation, Emperor Qianlong felt sorry for the murals, so he asked people to remove them. Later, the wall peeled off and was discovered by the staff. The murals were cleaned out. They are very beautiful. Because photography is not allowed in the hall, there are no photos, but it is really shocking. However, the Main Hall is the smallest Main Hall of the Temple I have seen in all the temples. It is worth a visit

Those who like history can go and learn about it.

Located in the heart of Jixian County, this Liao Dynasty building has a single ticket price of 37 yuan, with a combined ticket costing 50 yuan. The stone lions at the entrance are said to have been moved from the Heling Mausoleum beneath the Yuqiao Reservoir. The temple's eleven-faced Guanyin statue is worth seeing, as is the inverted Guanyin statue. The nearby Qianlong Palace features 24 calligraphy scrolls from the emperor's handwriting, though his handwriting has been lost to history. The three characters for Dule Temple were inscribed by Yan Song, while the inscriptions on the main hall were inscribed by Li Bai and Emperor Daoguang.

The temple is not big, but the contents inside are very rich and precious. The clay sculptures of the two generals Heng and Ha at the mountain gate, the huge eleven-faced Guanyin in the Guanyin Pavilion and the murals around it are all worth seeing. I saw a travel note written by a netizen in 2012 that you can climb to the top of the Guanyin Pavilion to see it, but now it is not possible. The stairs are blocked and it is estimated that it will not be open to the public in the future. You can only look up at it from below. It's a pity!

The pass also includes admission to the Temple of Confucius, Lu Ban Temple, and White Pagoda Temple. The original price is 50 yuan. These attractions are actually quite small. Lu Ban Temple is the only remaining official ancient building of the highest rank in China. The exterior has been recently renovated, but only the eaves and purlins inside remain their original color. White Pagoda Temple is one of the seven white pagodas in China. I was surprised that the wind chimes on the pagoda still ring in the wind after so long. It's a very nice sound!

You can buy tickets for each attraction separately, but I highly recommend Dule Temple! The others depend on your interest in architecture and history!

You still have to go to Jixian, after all, it is a thousand-year-old temple.

Dule Temple, also known as Dafo Temple, is located in Ji County, Tianjin, China. It is one of the only three surviving Liao Dynasty temples in China and one of the most famous ancient buildings in China. Although Dule Temple is a thousand-year-old temple, its history is very vague. Its origin is unknown, and its history can be traced back to the 10th year of Zhenguan (636 AD). [1]

Dule Temple covers a total area of 16,000 square meters. Its main gate is three bays wide and four bays deep, with a two-story structure and a central, hidden level. The temple stands 23 meters tall. The two oldest existing structures within the temple, the main gate and the Guanyin Pavilion, were both rebuilt in 984 AD, the second year of the Tonghe reign of Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty. In 1930, Dule Temple became renowned both domestically and internationally after being investigated and published by Japanese scholar Sekino Tadashi and Chinese scholar Liang Sicheng.

Location: No. 41, Wuding Street, Jixian County, Tianjin. Nearby are two scenic spots, White Pagoda Temple and Lu Ban Temple, both within walking distance. (Lu Ban Temple is on the left after exiting Dule Temple, while White Pagoda Temple is on the right.) Both attractions are quite small. I find Lu Ban Temple rather uninteresting, not even as large as a Beijing courtyard house. The interior is filled with photos and graphic materials, making it quite uninteresting. White Pagoda Temple is essentially just the pagoda, with little else to offer. However, it is closer and more attractive than Lu Ban Temple. If you have the time, consider visiting it; it can be completed in under 30 minutes.

The gate of Dule Temple is unique and worth seeing. The statues in the Guanyin Pavilion are really a culmination of beauty. You must visit again in the summer.

Dule Temple is located about 300 meters west of the Jixian Drum Tower. It borders the Yuyang Drum Tower in Jixian County. The pedestrian street connecting the two is known as Yuyang Ancient Street, now a commercial street dedicated to tourism. So, if you're visiting Dule Temple, be sure to explore this famous tourist street—you might even find something you're looking for! You can also visit the Yuyang Drum Tower while you're there, as both are quite quaint and steeped in history.

Recommended to bees!

Dule Temple is a thousand-year-old temple, one of only three surviving Liao Dynasty temples in China, and one of China's most famous ancient structures. Despite its millennium, the temple's history is murky, with its origins unknown. Its earliest history dates back to the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign (636 AD). It's worth a visit to see these treasures left behind by the ancients!

Following in the footsteps of Liang Sicheng, we journeyed from the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda to the Dule Temple in Jixian. The site was sparsely populated, and the few who did wander in were often unaware of its history, muttering, "How did we get into this place?" But we decided to enjoy the quiet time, catching the APEC half-price promotion and the Dule Temple restoration history exhibition. We even managed to sneak a few photos of Liao Dynasty murals while the administrator chatted. It was a blessing! Listening to "Awesome Mix Vol. 1," we headed home feeling satisfied!

Very unique temples. The ticket inspectors at each temple are very good. It's not very big, but the distance between them is a bit far. However, there is a simple map on the back of the ticket, so it's easy to find.

Cultural heritage. Easy to find. Ancient and charming. Just don't get your hopes up.

Dule Temple boasts three unique features: 1. The Guanyin Pavilion is the oldest surviving high-rise wooden pavilion in my country. 2. The statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva within the pavilion is one of the largest surviving ancient clay sculptures in my country. 3. The Dule Temple mountain gate is the earliest and most distinguished existing mountain gate with a hipped roof in my country.

Judging by these three unique features, it's definitely worth a visit, especially for those interested in architecture or calligraphy. Of course, this is limited to the area surrounding Tianjin, and is best visited by car. After all, it's a bit far from downtown Tianjin, and traveling that far would be time-consuming and not necessarily cost-effective. For weekend trips or short weekends in the surrounding area, Huangyaguan, Panshan, and Dule Temple are worth considering, especially now with the crisp autumn weather. Walnuts, persimmons, and other fruits are plentiful there and ripe, making it a great time to bring some local produce home.

Tickets are ￥40. There are very few visitors, which is unfortunate, but also fortunate.

When I was little, I was so used to seeing ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties in Beijing that I didn't think they were anything special. But seeing Dule Temple was a complete revelation. I'd never seen such large brackets before, so majestic and powerful. Brackets were mostly used for decoration during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Located in the western part of Jixian County, there's a large parking lot. Walking east from the Big Buddha Temple, you'll find Jixian Old Street, which connects to Jixian Drum Tower Square. It's a unique and popular shopping destination for locals. The temple is constructed entirely of wood, a perfect example of ancient Chinese mortise and tenon joints. Even if you're not interested in Buddhism, it's worth visiting purely for its artistic value. The temple also features an inscription from Emperor Qianlong, which is also of great artistic value. During the Lunar New Year, the temple holds a temple fair, and the street in front of the temple becomes a vibrant food street, making it one of the busiest places in Jixian County.

To the west of Drum Tower Square lies Wuding Street, a pedestrian street lined with imitation ancient buildings. At the west entrance of Wuding Street is Dule Temple. Originally built during the Sui Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 984 AD during the Liao Dynasty. Dule Temple is renowned both domestically and internationally for its "three wonders": ancient architecture, clay sculptures, and murals. The mountain gate is three bays wide and two bays deep. In the front two bays are two Liao Dynasty clay statues of Vajra guardians, representing the legendary Heng and Ha generals. Passing through the mountain gate, the majestic Guanyin Pavilion comes into view. Guanyin Pavilion is the oldest surviving wooden pavilion-style building in my country. Standing 23 meters tall, it is five bays wide and four bays deep, with two stories and a hidden middle level, a unique design. The plaque reads "Guanyin Pavilion" in Li Bai's handwriting, while a plaque below it reads "Fully Completed" inscribed by Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty. Within the Guanyin Pavilion is a 16.08-meter-tall standing statue of Guanyin. This Liao Dynasty statue, with its graceful posture, still stands proudly despite its millennia of age. It is the tallest extant clay statue in my country. Passing through the Guanyin Pavilion is the Wei Tuo Pavilion, built during the Ming Dynasty. Beyond the pavilion lies Bao'en Temple. Rebuilt during the Qianlong reign, Bao'en Temple features a quadrangle-style courtyard structure with a rigorous layout and a single, integrated system. To the east of the Guanyin Pavilion is the imperial palace, built during the Qianlong reign. It served as a place for Qing emperors to worship their ancestors at the Eastern Tombs, rest, and stay during their visits. The temple showcases the profound cultural essence of this ancient county.

The mountain gate of Dule Temple is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese wooden arch structure, exquisite and beautiful.

Walk north along the road for about a few hundred meters and you will reach Dule Temple.

Dule Temple, also known as Dafo Temple, is located in Ji County, Tianjin, China. It is one of the only three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China and one of the famous ancient buildings in China.

The path in front of Dule Temple leads eastward to Yuyang Ancient Street. Facing north and south is the magnificent Drum Tower, with memorial archways built on the east, south, and west sides.

Like most temples, but it has the best-preserved wooden Buddha statue to date, which is really amazing.

The founding of Dule Temple dates back to the early Tang Dynasty at the latest, as evidenced by the Tang-style plaque "Guanyin Pavilion" inscribed by Li Bai, hanging above the Guanyin Pavilion. The main structure of the existing Dule Temple is the Guanyin Pavilion, rebuilt in the second year of Emperor Shengzong of Liao's Tonghe reign. Constructed of wood, it boasts a width of five bays, a depth of four bays, and a height of 23 meters. It embodies the pinnacle of Chinese timber architecture and is the earliest surviving wooden pavilion in the country. A plaque with the words "Guanyin Pavilion" hangs high above the pavilion's eaves, reportedly written by Li Bai during the Tang Dynasty.

Location: Jixian County. Motorbikes are available from Jixian Bus Station. Jixian County is approximately a two-hour drive from downtown Tianjin. A round trip is possible on the same day.

Ticket price: 30 (combined ticket, you can also visit Luban Temple.)

Scenery: Ancient Chinese Architecture. Dule Temple is a significant temple in the history of ancient Chinese architecture, one of only three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. Two Liao Dynasty clay sculptures stand tall and majestic within the mountain gate, while the Guanyin Temple's Guanyin and murals are lifelike. Currently, only the ground floor of the Guanyin Pavilion is open; climbing up is prohibited. Simply gazing up from below and carefully examining the surrounding murals is awe-inspiring. Dule Temple is not crowded with tourists, some of whom are architecture students. The overall atmosphere is tranquil. Sit quietly on the temple's chairs and listen to the crisp chimes of wind chimes.

Finally, I waited for a blue sky and came to Jixian County, just for Dule Temple. I started taking photos before even entering the mountain gate, and the gatekeeper casually asked, "Are you studying ancient architecture?" It seems many people come here to learn. As Mr. Liang said, it inherits the legacy of the Tang Dynasty and opens up the architectural style of the Song Dynasty...

Dule Temple is located on a commercial pedestrian street called Wuding Street, which is lined with small shops and is a good place to stroll around. The main building is the Guanyin Pavilion, which is a wooden bracket structure.

Dule Temple was first built in the tenth year of Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan reign (636 AD) and rebuilt in the second year of the Liao Dynasty's Tonghe reign (984 AD). It is one of the only three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China, a thousand-year-old temple that combines ancient architecture, clay sculptures, and murals. Tickets are 40 yuan per person, and an additional 15 yuan per person is required to go up to the second floor of the main building. The main building has two floors, housing a 16.08-meter-tall statue of the Eleven-Faced Guanyin.

We also went to the famous Dule Temple and visited the tallest existing colorful clay statue of Guanyin in my country.

The ancient temple is well preserved. A large Buddha statue stands with his eyes lowered, looking down at all living beings, having experienced the changes of time.

After resting, walk along the street in front of the hotel and you will reach Dule Temple in about 15 minutes.

In September 2013, I went on a business trip to Tangshan. I had originally known about the Dule Temple in Jixian County, Tianjin, but I never expected it to be so close to Tangshan. My friend Ru Ge and his wife, knowing that I like ancient architecture (they are both Christians), accompanied me to Dule Temple, and so I decided to go there. A Baidu search for the name of Dule Temple yields many explanations and legends, but I only believe that "Buddha takes joy in saving all living beings."

We arrived at Jixian, the so-called "back garden" of Tianjin, from Tianjin. The weather was already very cold, and we didn't feel like seeing any other sights. So we headed straight for the legendary temple. I'm a "worship Buddha if you see one, worship Buddha if you see one, and worship temple if you see one" person. Of course, I have to go to a temple to worship, especially a thousand-year-old temple.

Yuyang Ancient Street is actually just average, you can visit it or not.

Dule Temple is definitely worth a visit. The giant Guanyin statue is particularly impressive. The famous Guanyin Hall has stood for a thousand years, showing its age.

Sharing joy is worse than enjoying it alone. With my mother, wife, and mother, we strolled through Dule Temple. Rather than enjoying it alone, it's better to enjoy it with the whole family. However, China's tourism industry is far from sound. A 40 yuan ticket is already expensive, and to see the bodhisattva's true form, another 30 yuan is required. Every cut was a bloody one, and the Jixian government officials were enjoying it alone. Looking back on Dule's journey, I wouldn't have enjoyed it if I hadn't gone, but I had to smile when I did.

1. The Guanyin Pavilion in the main hall houses a 16-meter-tall clay statue of Guanyin, with a small Guanyin figure on its head, which is also lifelike.

Moreover, this Guanyin statue is also the Guanyin with open eyes;

You can climb the tower of Guanyin Pavilion, which costs another 30 yuan. I didn’t climb it at that time, and now I regret it. I think you can see the White Pagoda.

2. The mountain gate and Guanyin Pavilion are both Liao Dynasty architectural features, while the Bao'en Temple behind was rebuilt during the Qianlong period. It is a typical Ming and Qing Dynasty style, similar to common temples. In the rear hall of Bao'en Temple, the Three Buddha Hall, if you stand higher, you can see the Guanyin Pavilion and Bao'en Temple from above. The difference between Liao and Qing architecture is very obvious.

I don't know much about architecture, but I can clearly feel that there are big differences, especially in the roof ridges. The design, carving and even the content of the carvings are all very different.

I came back and wanted to find a comparison photo, but I couldn't find one. I regretted that I should have taken a photo despite being so cautious.

3. Their Forest of Steles really doesn’t look like a Forest of Steles. It’s just a pile of stones placed there, and left to weather the vicissitudes of life regardless of the sun and rain.

Dule Temple offers three attractions with one ticket: the temple, the White Pagoda Temple, and the Lu Ban Temple. While small, the temple boasts a rich history, with the mountain gate and Guanyin Pavilion representing architectural gems. Fans of ancient Chinese wooden architecture should definitely visit. The Guanyin Pavilion is the oldest existing wooden structure in China, and the murals on its lower floor are exquisite. The plaque "Dule Temple" hanging above the mountain gate is said to have been inscribed by Yan Song, a Ming Dynasty official. It also features a longevity sign inscribed by Emperor Qianlong.

Dule Temple dates back to the Liao Dynasty. This ancient temple offers a striking contrast to the resplendent and magnificent temples of the Qing Dynasty and modern times. The Guanyin statue within the Guanyin Pavilion is the largest in China, standing over 16 meters tall, comparable to an average five-story building.

Dule Temple, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is located inside the west gate of Ji County. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the oldest surviving high-rise wooden structure in China. Inside, the 16-meter-tall standing statue of Guanyin, crowned by ten smaller Buddha heads, is known as the Eleven-Faced Guanyin. It is one of the largest clay sculptures in my country and a nationally protected cultural relic.

When you look at the exterior, you will feel that it is very ancient! Once you go in, you will feel it is amazing. After so many years, and even after experiencing a major earthquake, it is still so good, and there are many swallows flying around...

One of the first batch of key cultural relics protection sites announced by China, this is a world-renowned thousand-year-old temple and the oldest high-rise wooden pavilion-style building in China.