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Shanhua Temple

Shanhua Temple, also called the South Temple, is the best preserved of temples built in the Liao and Jin Dynasties.

Shanhua Temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) but destroyed by war at the end of the Liao Dynasty (916 - 1125). It was rebuilt on a large scale during the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234).

Covering an area of nearly 14, 000 square meters, Shanhua Temple is a good manifestation of the traditional Chinese architectural philosophy. The temple has three main buildings: the Gate, the Hall of the Three Saints and the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall houses five gold-coated statues of Tathagata Buddha and 24 divine generals.

There is a Five-Dragon Screen made from a colored glaze in the the temple.