The most beautiful Song dynasty statues of the 12 Bodhisattvas in China are in Shanxi!

👈🏻 Faxing Temple is a must-see temple when visiting Changzhi. It was first built in the 2nd year of the Kaiyun period of the Later Jin dynasty of the Five Dynasties (945), and was rebuilt in the 4th year of the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song dynasty (1081) after years of change. It was repaired many times during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

👈🏻 The original site of Faxing Temple was located in the mining area of Cilinshan Coal Mine. In the mid-to-late 20th century, the foundation subsided, the walls cracked, and the beam structure was severely deformed. To protect the cultural relics, the cultural relics department moved the entire temple to Cuiyun Mountain in 1984, and the Yuanjue Hall was also relocated and rebuilt. This was done to protect the cultural relics.

Highlights 1️⃣ Tang dynasty stone stupa: Also known as the "stone hall," it is made of sandstone slabs. The tower is square-shaped, with a double-eave pavilion style. The tower eaves are stacked in three layers, and the interior is composed of a square caisson. The four slopes are covered with purlins and rafters, and the eaves are supported by brackets, with a spire and a jewel top at the four corners. The lower layer can be circled around, so it looks like a tower but not a tower, like a hall but not a hall. It is a unique existence among the ancient towers in China!

Highlights 2️⃣ Song dynasty painted sculptures: The Yuanjue Hall, built in the 4th year of the Yuanfeng period of the Northern Song dynasty, has statues of the 12 Bodhisattvas. The 12 Bodhisattvas are evenly arranged, sitting on waist-high altars, with free forms and calm expressions. The hair of the Bodhisattvas can still be seen, and the clothing is simple and elegant, with a soft and delicate texture. Every detail reveals the ingenuity of Song dynasty craftsmen. The Song dynasty painted sculptures in the Yuanjue Hall are the most precious part, praised by art historians as the "crown of Song dynasty Bodhisattva sculptures" and "a unique Oriental painted sculpture." These painted sculptures vividly demonstrate the superb level of Song dynasty sculpture art!

Highlights 3️⃣ Yuanjue Hall: The hall is a typical Song dynasty architectural style, with a clear structure, regular materials, and a simple and grand shape, representing the high level of Song dynasty temple architecture. The hall is three bays wide, six rafters deep, with a single-eave hip roof.

👈🏻 Faxing Temple is currently free to visit. Not far away is another must-see temple, Chongqing Temple, which is a must-visit. For those who love ancient architecture and painted sculptures, Faxing Temple is a must-visit!

Post by _TI***96 | Dec 7, 2024