Eight Great Architectures of the Liao Dynasty

The Eight Great Architectures of the Liao Dynasty（Chinese: 八大辽构; pinyin: bā dà liáo gòu) are a collection of eight Buddhist structures constructed during the Liao dynasty in China and have been conserved to this day. Buddhism during the Liao dynasty was influenced by the Tang dynasty, as Buddhist relics were relocated to the Hebei vassal state for safekeeping following Emperor Wuzong of Tang's suppression of Buddhism. This relocation facilitated the growth of Buddhism in the Khitan ethnic settlements. While many buildings from the Liao dynasty were destroyed in conflicts, a select few Buddhist structures have been preserved, with the "Eight Great Architectures of the Liao Dynasty" serving as notable examples. Despite their initial construction during the Liao dynasty, these buildings have undergone various degrees of restoration or reconstruction in subsequent eras. They are all designated as the most significant immovable cultural relics in China and are classified as major cultural heritage sites under national-level protection.

Table

Name	Picture	Place	Introduction
The Wenshu Hall of Geyuan Temple		Laiyuan County, Hebei Province	The Wenshu Hall of Geyuan Temple, originally constructed in 966, has undergone multiple reconstructions over the years. Renowned for its distinctive architectural design, intricate wood-carved diamond-shaped lattice windows, and expansive murals, the building stands as a notable cultural landmark. Furthermore, the Feihu Bell, an associated artifact of the Wenshu Hall, holds significance as the sole Liao dynasty iron bell in China with a well-documented origin.
The Shanmen of Dule Temple		Jizhou District, Tianjin	Constructed in the year 984, the Shanmen serves as the principal entrance to the Dule Temple. Esteemed architect Liang Sicheng lauded this gate as a significant relic from the Tang dynasty and a precursor to the Song dynasty. It stands as a valuable asset for examining the evolution of Chinese architectural styles and is considered a precious rarity. This structure, featuring a four-arched hip roof, is the oldest wooden building from the Liao dynasty. Its architectural design and construction methods bear a closer resemblance to those of the Tang dynasty, making it a pivotal example of ancient Chinese architectural heritage.
The Guanyin Pavilion of Dule Temple		Jizhou District, Tianjin	The Guanyin Pavilion at Dule Temple, constructed in 984, stands at a height of 23 meters, making it the oldest extant wooden pavilion in China. Its purpose was to safeguard the monumental Guanyin statue housed within. Positioned prominently above the eaves of the pavilion is a plaque bearing the inscription "Guanyin Pavilion" attributed to "Taibai," believed to be authored by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai. The main hall features the Ekādaśamukha, the largest ancient Guanyin statue in China. Adorned with Liao dynasty colored sculptures and murals reminiscent of Tang dynasty portraiture, the hall exemplifies the practice of ancient sculptors integrating contemporary figures into Buddhist artwork.
The Mahavira Hall of Fengguo Temple		Yi County, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province	The Mahavira Hall at Fengguo Temple was constructed in 1020 and initially known as Xianxi Temple. It was later renamed Fengguo Temple during the Jin dynasty. The hall is revered for enshrining the seven Buddhas of the past, earning it the monikers "Big Buddha Temple" or "Seven Buddha Temple". Notably, it stands as the most extensive surviving hall from the Liao dynasty and ranks among the largest single-story wooden edifices in traditional Chinese architectural history, second only to the Great Hall of Huayan Temple in Datong from the Jin dynasty.
The Mahavira Hall of Kaishan Temple		Gaobeidian City, Hebei Province	The construction of the Mahavira Hall at Kaishan Temple is believed to have taken place between the years 1004 and 1123 AD. The hall measures five bays in width, three bays in depth, and stands approximately 12 meters tall. It features a single-eaved tiled hip roof and incorporates a combination of moved and reduced columns. Notably, the hall is adorned with only four golden pillars, a design characteristic commonly found in Liao and Jin architectural styles.
The Buddhist Texts Library of Huayan Temple		Datong City, Shanxi Province	Constructed in 1038, the main hall of the temple is a significant architectural structure. The caisson, wall storage, and 31 statues within the hall are all authentic artifacts dating back to the Liao dynasty. Notably, the hall features a carving of the Heavenly Palace Pavilion, representing the sole surviving model of a wooden structure from the Liao dynasty in China. Renowned architect Liang Sicheng lauded this carving as a unique and unparalleled architectural specimen in the nation.
The Mahavira Hall of Shanhua Temple		Datong City, Shanxi Province	The Mahavira Hall of the Buddha, dating back to the Liao dynasty, is a significant architectural relic characterized by a brick base standing at a height of 2.24 meters. Positioned in front of the hall is a spacious moon platform, flanked by the bell tower and drum tower, which were incorporated during the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty. The hall spans seven bays in width (41.8 meters) and five bays in depth (26.18 meters), featuring a single-eaved hip roof supported by five layers of double-fold brackets. Notably, the hall showcases exposed beams and houses 34 clay sculptures from the Jin dynasty, including statues of the Five Tathāgatas, disciples Kassapa and Ānanda, and the Twenty-Four Protective Deities. Additionally, the hall boasts approximately 190 square meters of murals, painted during the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty as part of a renovation project.
Pagoda of Fogong Temple		Ying County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province	The Pagoda of Fogong Temple is recognized as the oldest and tallest standing wooden pagoda in China. While the precise date of its construction remains unknown, its architectural style and associated cultural artifacts suggest it was built during the Liao dynasty. Over the years, the pagoda has undergone numerous renovations. Despite enduring earthquakes and artillery fire, the structure has remained resilient and has not succumbed to collapse.