The Unmissable Liao Dynasty Painted Sculptures and Murals of Huayan Temple in Datong

Huayan Temple in Datong is a classic ancient monastery and a renowned site for viewing ancient murals in Datong. For friends interested in ancient Chinese painted sculptures and murals, if you come to Datong, don't miss Huayan Temple. [Cute] Huayan Temple was an important Huayan sect temple during the Liao and Jin dynasties, also serving as the ancestral temple for the Liao imperial family. Originally built in the Liao Dynasty, it was repeatedly damaged by war and rebuilt. By the mid-Ming Dynasty, it was divided into Upper and Lower Temples. The current architectural complex centers around the Mahavira Hall from the Jin Dynasty and the Sutra Library Hall from the Liao Dynasty. The main buildings of the temple all face east, reflecting the Khitan people's sun-worshiping custom. Inside the halls, you can find Ming Dynasty sculptures of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, Qing Dynasty murals, and 973 painted ceiling panels. The Sutra Library Hall preserves Liao Dynasty sculptures, stone sutra pillars, and a pavilion-style sutra cabinet, with its celestial pavilion being a masterpiece of Liao Dynasty miniature wooden architecture. [TeaDrinker] In the Mahavira Hall of Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi, the Twenty Devas painted sculptures stand quietly, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty artisans and the unique demeanor of Buddhist guardian deities. These sculptures are not rigid, cold idols but skillfully blend religious majesty with human vitality, displaying vivid life in silence. Each sculpture leans forward at an angle between 15-19 degrees, a subtle mechanical design that breaks the convention of traditionally upright statues. Such an arrangement is extremely rare in traditional Chinese temples. The four walls of the Mahavira Hall are covered with 21 giant murals, totaling 875.2 square meters—the largest area of murals in a single building. The murals depict scenes of Buddhist teachings and stories, with broad compositions and numerous figures. Each painting stands alone yet connects with others, presenting a vast panorama of Buddhist narratives on the expansive walls—a true monumental masterpiece.