Shuanglin Temple contains the most as well as some of the best-preserved painted sculptures in China, so it is also called the Oriental Treasure House of Painted Sculptures. Inside are over 1,500 sculptures made of painted clay over a wooden framework. They demonstrate the artistic styles of the  Tang, Song, Jin and Yuan dynasties.
Shuanglin Temple was originally named Zhongdu Temple. In the northern Song Dynasty, in order to memorialize Buddha who attained Nirvana under two trees in a forest, it was changed into Shuanglin, meaning Double Forest. It was rebuilt in 571 A.D. and was repaired several times. The buildings that exist today were constructed in the Ming Dynasty.
The compound faces south and occupies 15,000 square meters. In the east were the monks'quarters and scripture hall, which have since been destroyed. In the west are ten temples and halls of various styles, which form three courtyards. Interesting items in the temple compound include a tree planted during the Tang dynasty, a Song Dynasty stone tablet, a Ming bell, and frescos, some in very good condition which have been painted on the temple’s interior and exterior walls. |
