Shuanglin Temple

Shuanglin Temple, situated about seven kilometers southwest of the ancient city of Pingyao, is a Buddhist temple with 1,500 years history since the North Wei Dynasty. Repaired several times, the existing buildings were built in the Ming Dynasty

Occupying 15,000 square meters, Shuanglin Temple comprises 10 big and small halls. The halls are grouped around three courtyards and house more than 2,000 exceptional painted Buddhist terracotta and wood statues dating back to the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, which represent the best of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The figures are vivid and remarkably true to life, ranging from Buddha, Bodhisattva, Heavenly Kings, to all kinds of mortals from the human world. They are reputed to be a 'Oriental Treasure House of Painted Sculptures'.