{"id":12536,"date":"2022-01-03T21:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T13:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/?p=12536"},"modified":"2022-01-04T10:53:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T02:53:18","slug":"how-to-visit-shuanglin-temple-in-pingyao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/shanxi-travel\/pingyao-travel\/how-to-visit-shuanglin-temple-in-pingyao","title":{"rendered":"How to Visit Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao (Tips, Photos & Map)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Plan your Pingyao tour<\/a>? If you are not pressed for time when visit Pingyao, a glimpse of Shuanglin Temple (\u53cc\u6797\u5bfa) is highly recommended. Shuangling Temple was a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Ancient City of Ping Yao<\/a>\u00a0 and\u00a0 Zhen Guo Temple<\/a> listed\u00a0in 1997.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Shuanglin Temple<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shuanglin Temple is located in Qiaotou Village 7km to the southwest of Ping Yao ancient city. You may look for a local taxi and bargain with the driver for a return ride to the temple (approx. RMB 60 return taxi fare). If you like cycling, it is a breeze to rent a bike for an easy ride to get there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are an irrepressible bus goer, you may use the public bus No.108, getting on from Pingyao Railway Station,<\/a> Pingyao Bus Station<\/a> or the Northern Gate to Pingyao Ancient City<\/a>, and get off at the bus stop of Shuanglin Temple (\u53cc\u6797\u5bfa). Note: at the northern gate bus stop, you need to hail the bus to stop for the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Location of Shuanglin Temple ( Google Map)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Entrance Ticket:<\/strong> 35 yuan
Opening Hours: <\/strong>08:30-19:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)
Address:<\/strong> 8 Shuanglin Zhengjie, Pingyao County \u5e73\u9065\u53bf\u53cc\u6797\u6b63\u885728\u53f7
Inquiry<\/strong>: 0354-5779023; 0354-5673200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABC of Shuanglin Temple <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shuanglin Temple was originally named \u201cZhongdu Temple\u201d built in 571 ( it is said the actual making of the temple was much earlier ).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Song Dynasty, Zhongdu Temple was renamed \u201cShuanglin Temple\u201d according to the Buddhist doctrine. “Shuanglin” literally means “twin trees”. Here “Shuanglin” is taken from the legend about Sakyamuni\u2019s death, which goes like that the Sakyamuni Buddha died under twin sala trees, by the Ajitavati River, in the city of Kushinagar, India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later,  Shuanglin Temple was destroyed and rebuilt for several time. The present style of its buildings dates back to Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The present Shanglin Temple has an area of 11620 square meters with its main entrance facing south.  An impressive complex of halls forms three courtyards housing a number of intricately carved painted clay statues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shuanglin Temple looks more authentic than many restored Buddhist temples you\u2019ve seen in China. It is worth your exploring here for 2-3 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Tour of Shuanglin Temple <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now follow me to have a virtual tour of Shuangling Temple. All the indoor halls are forbidden to take pictures. So we cannot present you the ornately carved clay statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a traditional Chinese archway ( Pailou ) stands facing west outside the compound of Shuangling Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The traditional Chinese archway ( Pailou )<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you enter the pailou, straight ahead, you will see colored Bodhisattva decorated with several arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The colored Bodhisattva decorated with several arms <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On your left side is the entrance facing south to the temple itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The southern gate, the main entrance to Shuanglin Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Enter the temple complex, the first hall is the Hall of Heavenly Kings. Outside the hall there are four guardian warriors and inside the hall four heavenly kings and 8 bodhisattvas. These vibrant sculptured were made in Yuan Dynasty ( 1279 \u2013 1368 ) the hall was rebuilt in Ming Dynasty ( 1368 \u2013 1644 ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hall of Heavenly Kings <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A close-up view of the coloured statues<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A plaque intricately carved with four Chinese characters hanging over the entrance to the Hall of Heavenly Kings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A plaque intricately carved hanging over the entrance to the Hall of Heavenly Kings<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Glazed tiles carved with ornate and beautiful patterns decorate the roof of the Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Glazed tiles carved with ornate and beautiful patterns decorate the roof of the Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Its roof top is decorated with Buddhist images in glazed tiles. Two dragon heads atop the roof ridge of the Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Its roof top is decorated with Buddhist images in glazed tile <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To the north of the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the Hall of Sakyamuni, the main hall in the first courtyard formed also by other 4 smaller side halls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hall of Sakyamuni, the main hall in Shuanglin Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the main halls in Shuanglin Temple. Sakyamuni is the title of the Buddha. More than 200 sculptures combined with mountains, stones and buildings in shallow and deep relief tells the life story of the Buddha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The dragon head atop the each side the roof ridge of the Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To the north of Sakyamuni Hall is the second courtyard formed by the Precious Hall of Mahavira and other two side halls. The Precious Hall of Mahavira is the tallest building in the temple. The clay sculptures of the welcoming buddha and three main Buddhas and the frescoes were made in Ming Dynasty ( 1368 \u2013 1644 ). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Precious Hall of Mahavira <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A plaque written with four bold Chinese characters of the Precious Hall of Mahavira hanging over the entrance to the Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A plaque hanging over the Precious Hall of Mahavira<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Burn incense sticks and prayer for talk to Buddha<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Yellow Dragons and Buddhist figures atop the roof of the Precious Hall of Mahavira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yellow Dragons and Buddhist figures atop the roof of the Precious Hall of Mahavira. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To the north of the the Precious Hall of Mahavira is the third courtyard formed by the Hall of Fertility Goddess. This hall was originally built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde ( 1506 \u2013 1521 ). The present sculptures were made in Qing Dynasty ( 1368 \u2013 1644 ) depicting women praying for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Hall of Fertility Goddess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A group of elephants and dragon heads atop the roof ridge of the Hall of Fertility Goddess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A group of elephants and dragon heads atop the roof ridge of the Hall of Fertility Goddess<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tip:  Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for organized tours to Pingyao and Shanxi Province:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pingyao Tour<\/a>
Pingyao Car Rental with Driver<\/a>

Datong Tour<\/a>
Datong Car Rental with Driver<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taiyuan Tour<\/a>
Taiyuan Car Rental with Driver<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shanxi Tour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Readings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to Visit Pingyao<\/a>
Best Time to Visit Pingyao<\/a>
What to see in Pingyao<\/a>
Where to Stay in Pingyao<\/a>
How to get to Pingyao by bus<\/a>
How to get to Pingyao by train<\/a>
Beijing Pingyao High Speed Train<\/a>
Pingyao Taxi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Qiao Family Courtyard<\/a>
How to Visit Zhenguo Temple<\/a>
How to Visit Shuanglin Temple<\/a>
How to Visit Wang Family Compound<\/a>
How to Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle<\/a>
How to Visit Lijiashan Village (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
How to Visit Qikou Ancient Town (Tips, Photos & Map)<\/a>
The Best Place to See Sunrise in Pingyao Ancient City<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any questions, just drop a line.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Plan your Pingyao tour? If you are not pressed for time when visit Pingyao, a glimpse of Shuanglin Temple (\u53cc\u6797\u5bfa) is highly recommended. Shuangling Temple was a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Ancient City of Ping Yao\u00a0 and\u00a0 Zhen Guo Temple listed\u00a0in 1997.\u00a0 \u00a0 How to get to Shuanglin Temple Shuanglin Temple is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89,1810],"tags":[2294,2293],"class_list":["post-12536","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pingyao-travel","category-shanxi-travel","tag-pingyao-shuanglin-temple","tag-shuanglin-temple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12536"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12536"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12536\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30239,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12536\/revisions\/30239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12536"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12536"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tour-beijing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12536"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}