6. Dule Temple（独乐寺）

Dule Temple [xhvision.net]

The Dule Temple is the country's oldest existing wood-structural pavilion architecture. Named after the gurgling spring that lies behind it, it is situated near the WestGate of Jixian County, Tianjin. Most of the temple buildings were ruined during the 841-846 reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), who pursued a policy of cracking down on Buddhism. Some of the buildings were restored in 984 during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125), and more buildings were added during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

One major attraction of the Dule Temple is a 16-meter-tall statue of the goddess of mercy, one of the biggest in the country. It shows the finely crafted image of a lady who looks graceful and composed despite her awesome stature. The statue is said to represent the very best of Liao sculpture. The pavilion that shelters this statue is a stately 23-meter-high building under a roof with three-layered eaves. The pavilion's four walls are graced with lifelike, and life-sized, murals.

Admission:18 yuan (US$2.93) / person

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