Explore Shanhua Temple, a magnificent Buddhist complex in Datong, Shanxi Province. Founded in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the temple has undergone several transformations, including a major reconstruction in the Jin Dynasty (1128 AD) under Monk Yuanman.

Covering over 30,000 square meters, the temple faces south with a strict north-south axis. It is the largest and most completely preserved Liao and Jin Dynasty (916–1234) temple complex in China.

Admire the Main Gate (Shanmen), a Jin Dynasty hall housing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Visit the Sansheng Hall (Hall of Three Saints), a classic early Jin Dynasty wooden structure.

See the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbao Hall), the main and oldest hall, built in the Liao Dynasty (11th century). It is one of China's largest and best-preserved Liao wooden halls, containing exquisite Buddhist statues and murals.

Flanking the Mahavira Hall are the Pavilion of Manjushri (Wenshu Ge) (east) and Pavilion of Samantabhadra (Puxian Ge) (west), fine examples of Jin Dynasty architecture.