Huayan Monastery – 华严寺

Huayan Monastery in photos

Presentation of Huayan Monastery

Founded in the 11th century under the Liao Dynasty, the original temple is divided into two distinct parts during the 16th century: the Temple of the High (Shang Huayan – 上华严) and the Lower Temple (Xia Huayan – 下华严). It is the largest and best preserved monastery created under this dynasty, it has undergone several renovations and enlargements. Note that it was reunified in 1963.In the lower monastery part, you will discover a library dating from the creation of the site in the 11th century and still home to many documents.It is in the high monastery section that the Mahavira Hall is located, destined for Buddhist worship and where are placed 5 statues of Buddhas surrounded by many other statues (soldiers, bodhisattvas …).The monastery still receives few visitors which makes it really enjoyable to visit during your trip to Datong.

Useful information

Plan 2 hours for the visitChinese name : Huá yán sì – 华严寺Take a taxi from the railway station, it will cost you only 10¥ for a 15 to 20 minute ride.Ticket price : 65¥Opening hours:- Summer season : 8:30 to 18:00 (8:30am to 6pm)- Winter season : 8:30 to 17:30 8:30am to 5:30pm)