- Location: Datong City, Shanxi Province

Located in southwest Datong, Shanxi Province, Shanhua Temple (善化寺), also known as South Temple, was originally constructed in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Jin, Yuan and Ming Dynasties.

The whole temple covers an area of 20,000 square meters and consists of three main halls. The main buildings are arranged on a north-south axis. The Main Gate and Sansheng Hall were both built in the 12th century during the Jin Regime.

Daxiongbao Hall is the northernmost and largest hall. The interior contains four large statues of Buddha representing the four cardinal directions. There is also a central statue representing Sakyamuni.

There are also a large number of clay sculptures, frescos and tablets in the temple. The clay sculptures from the Jin Regime look particularly vivid and elegant, featuring twenty-four statues of different gods. They have different appearances, expressions and postures, and are among China's greatest treasures.

Travel Tips:

- Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

- Admission: 20 yuan

- How to get there: take bus No.3 at Yungang and then transfer 17 and get off at Hualin.

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