Shuanglin Temple
Shuanglin Temple, a UNESCO-listed Buddhist masterpiece, is one of China’s most renowned Ming-Qing Dynasty sculpture galleries. Established during the Northern Qi Dynasty (534–577) and expanded over 1,400 years, it houses 2,055 colored clay sculptures across 10 halls, earning the nickname “Oriental Museum of Sculpture Art.” The temple’s wooden architecture, intricate murals, and lifelike deities—many dating to the 14th–18th centuries—reflect the zenith of Chinese Buddhist art. Designated a UNESCO site in 1997, it remains a pilgrimage destination for art historians and spiritual travelers.
Historical Overview
Founded in 534 CE, the temple thrived under the Tang Dynasty’s patronage and reached its artistic peak during the Ming-Qing golden age of sculpture. Monks and artisans from Shanxi Province preserved it through wars and dynastic shifts, with restorations in 1588 and 1742. Key events include the 1965 discovery of a hidden stele documenting its early history and the 1997 UNESCO inscription, which recognized its “unparalleled collection of painted sculptures.”
Structural Layout
The temple complex spans 15,000 square meters with a east-west axis:
Front Zone: The Tianwang Hall (Guardian Kings Hall) and Mahavira Hall (main Buddha hall).
Central Zone: The Qianfo Pavilion (Thousand Buddha Pavilion) and Arhat Hall (18罗汉).
Rear Zone: The Bodhisattva Hall and Dharma Hall (scripture repository).
Key structures include the Dragon Gate (ornate entrance) and Nine-Dragon Screen (15th-century mural).
Major Attractions
Thousand-Hand Guanyin: A 3.4-meter-tall Ming Dynasty statue with 26 arms and 42 eyes, symbolizing compassion.
Weeping Sakyamuni: A 14th-century Yuan Dynasty sculpture of the Buddha shedding a tear of empathy.
Arhat Gallery: 500 Ming Dynasty arhats (enlightened disciples) in dynamic poses.
Dragon Gate: A Tang Dynasty stone arch carved with celestial dragons and lotuses.
Nine-Dragon Screen: A Yuan Dynasty glazed-tile mural depicting dragons amid clouds.
Underworld Prison: A Qing Dynasty diorama of hellish tortures to deter sin.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1 hour):
Tianwang Hall → Mahavira Hall → Qianfo Pavilion → Exit.
Highlights: Iconic Buddha statues and dragon motifs.
- Art History Route (2 hours):
Dragon Gate → Arhat Hall → Thousand-Hand Guanyin → Weeping Sakyamuni → Underworld Prison.
Highlights: Sculpture evolution from Yuan to Qing.
- Pilgrim’s Route (3 hours):
All zones + chanting session in Dharma Hall → vegetarian lunch at temple cafeteria.
Highlights: Spiritual practices and monastic life.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip or Shuanglin Temple official website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at the entrance; arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups.
Prices: ¥35 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m.
Combo Ticket: ¥125 (includes Pingyao City Wall and Confucius Temple).
Transportation
By Bus: From Pingyao Railway Station, take Bus 108 to Shuanglin Temple Stop (25 minutes).
By Taxi: ¥25 from Pingyao Ancient City; negotiate fare upfront.
By Tour: Join a heritage tour (¥200–300/person, includes guide and transfers).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–12 PM; visit early (8 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Quietest in winter; summer weekends busy with domestic tourists.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) ideal.
Essentials: Respect silence in prayer halls; no photography in Arhat Gallery.
Prohibited: Touching sculptures, flash photography, and outside food.
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Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
What's Shuanglin Temple's historical role in Buddhist dissemination?
A key monastery for Esoteric Buddhism in northern China during the Ming Dynasty, preserving rare ritual art.
How to get to Shuanglin Temple from Pingyao Ancient City?
Take Bus 108 from Pingyao Bus Station (5 RMB, 20 mins); taxi costs ~20 RMB (15 mins).
What signature foods are near Shuanglin Temple?
Pingyao beef noodles, wan tuo (cold buckwheat jelly), and Shanxi aged vinegar-flavored dishes.
What should visitors note when visiting Shuanglin Temple?
No flash photography (damages pigments); Speak softly in halls.
Does the ticket include all halls?
Yes—access to 10 major halls and the sculpture exhibition area (no extra fees).
