Explore Shanxi Datong Huayan Temple | I rarely use the word "impressive" to describe a place.

Datong Huayan Temple is named after "Huayan", which means "the flower of compassion will surely bear the fruit of solemnity" and is closely related to the Huayan Sutra and Huayan Sect. Huayan Temple was first built in 1038, the seventh year of the Chongxi reign of the Liao Dynasty. The temple faces west and east, which is said to be because the Khitan people worshipped the sun and "regarded the west as the most honorable". From the Ming Dynasty onwards, Huayan Temple was divided into the Upper Temple and the Lower Temple, which are still in use today. The Upper Temple is to the north, and the main hall, Daxiong Baodian, is a Jin Dynasty building. The Lower Temple is to the south, and the main hall, Bogajiao Hall, is a Liao Dynasty building. The remaining buildings were built in the Qing Dynasty and modern times. 🌈What to see at Huayan Temple: 1️⃣ The 1,000-square-meter polychrome murals in the Puguangming Hall were completed by teachers and students of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The murals are simple and elegant, with vivid images that complement the ancient hall. They are a must-see for photography enthusiasts. 2️⃣ Daxiong Baodian: The main hall of the Upper Huayan Temple, the glazed tile chiwen on the roof, the north side is the original Jin Dynasty, the south side is the Qing Dynasty, the largest and oldest existing glazed chiwen. 3️⃣ Bogajiao Hall: Most of the murals in the hall are original Liao Dynasty, and there are also 31 original Liao Dynasty sculptures. 4️⃣ Huayan Tower: There is a 100-ton pure copper underground palace, the largest copper palace in China, with over 1,000 Buddha statues, which is particularly impressive. Tips: ⚠️ Huayan Temple is closed at 17:00, so be sure to plan your time and allow at least two hours to enter. 📸 The murals in the Puguangming Hall are a popular photo spot, and there are a lot of people. To get a photo of five people, either go before 9:00 or after 18:00. 📍 Address: No. 459, Xia Temple Slope Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province 🚗 Transportation: Huayan Temple is located in the ancient city of Datong, 200 meters from Huayan Temple Bus Station, 12 minutes by car from Datong Railway Station, and 20 minutes from Datong South Railway Station. 💰 Tickets: 50/person, opening hours 8:30-17:00