Zhenguo Temple

The Zhenguo Temple is located in Hedong Village, 12 kilometers (7½ miles) northeast of Pingyao, 85 kilometers south of Taiyuan. The temple was built in the year 963, in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Tianhui in the Northern Han Dynasty.

The Wanfo Hall, the main hall of the temple, dates from the Tang Dynasty and is one of China’s oldest timber framed buildings. It is square-shaped while its roof resembles an umbrella. Inside, its impressive statuary dates to the Five Dynasties (907-960). There are 11 statues including Buddha, Bodhisattvas, disciples, and Vajra. Closely planted trees add to the atmosphere of this quiet place.