Final Chapter of the Three Great Temples of the Liao Dynasty (Yixian)

After appreciating the grandeur of Huayan Temple and Dule Temple, I have long wanted to visit the Fengguo Temple. Knowing that the temple may undergo large-scale renovation soon, I feel that the trip must be advanced, for reasons you know . At this point, all three major Liao Dynasty temples have been seen, and two of the eight major Liao structures have not been visited . The biggest highlight of Fengguo Temple is the main hall, the Great Buddha Hall, which is the largest single-story wooden structure in ancient Chinese architecture and is known as the "First Great Buddha Hall in China" . It is nine bays wide, with a huge architectural volume, many Tang Dynasty styles, representing the highest level of Chinese architecture a thousand years ago, very shocking. Seven large Buddhas are enshrined in a row, all original versions of the Liao Dynasty. They are all over nine meters high, with consistent faces, distinguished by gestures. This layout is rare, usually with three main enshrinements, the five large Buddhas of Shanhuasi are a few examples, I didn't expect there to be seven here . Each Buddha has a Bodhisattva standing on each side, with different expressions, lifelike. At the east and west ends of the Buddha altar, there is a statue of the Heavenly King, strong and mighty. What's more amazing is that there is a seated Guanyin from the Ming Dynasty behind the main Buddha, the statue retains the charm of the male Guanyin before the Tang Dynasty . In addition to the statues, the stone steles in the main hall, the paintings on the beams, and the murals on the four walls are not to be missed, but unfortunately the murals are poorly preserved and severely damaged . Next, let's talk about personal visiting experiences. First of all, the management level of the scenic area is very high, the staff are very kind and will enthusiastically explain relevant knowledge to the surrounding tourists, the facilities are complete, and there is vegetarian food provided . Secondly, this is the first place I have visited in the north and south of the Yangtze River where visitors are openly allowed to take photos without using flash. This behavior does not make too many comments. Whether many strictly forbidden photo-taking spots are out of selfishness or for the protection of cultural relics can only be seen as benevolent and wise . Finally, there are activities here during the Spring Festival from New Year's Eve to Lantern Festival, discounted tickets, many performances, very satisfying .