Shuanglin Temple

Shuanglin Temple lies in Qiaotou Village, Zhongdu Township, about 6 km southwest of Pingyao Ancient City in Jinzhong, Shanxi, China. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Pingyao and is renowned for holding one of the finest collections of painted clay sculpture in China, with more than 2,000 figures dating mainly from the Ming dynasty. The temple is arranged as a walled complex with a series of halls, including the Hall of Arhats, the Hall of the Thousand Buddhas and the Hall of the Bodhisattvas, each filled with colourful statues in expressive poses. Visitors admire figures such as the smiling Guanyin and the lively arhats, which are noted for their individual faces and naturalistic drapery. The halls are dim and small, so visitors move slowly with attention to detail, and many bring a torch or use their phone light where permitted. A visit typically takes one to one and a half hours. Because the site sits outside the old town, it is quieter than the city centre and tour groups are fewer, although some arrive by minibus around late morning. The best light for viewing is bright mid-morning, when natural light enters the doorways. The temple is reached by taxi, Didi or rented e-bike from Pingyao in about 15 minutes, and many visitors combine it with a trip to nearby villages and the Zhenguo Temple. Entry has a moderate fee, with discounts for children and students.