The finest wooden marvels of ancient China, Dule Temple is located inside the west gate of Ji County. Since its construction in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it has experienced many vicissitudes, from mild tremors by the wars to devastating seismic wave of the Tangshan Earthquake in 1976. It's so amazing and mystifying that this temple is still essentially safe and sound. It was praised as the holy land the by Liang Sicheng.
Being as one of the existed three Liao dynastic temples in China, Dule Temple's main gate and its Goddess of Mercy Hall are both architectures of the Liao Dynasty (916 - 1125). There are obvious rising arches and side foots on the gate. Walk through the gate and come to the Kwan-yin Hall where houses a 16-meter (53 fee) high clay statue of Kwan-yin upholding 10 small Buddhas. Flanking the statue you will observe fine vibrant murals, taking you back to the glorious times of the ancient China. What's more be ready to encounter the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) guardians, with three heads and six arms and quite an intimidating appearance.
North of the Kwan-yin Hall stands the Pavilion of Wei Tuo who is the Escort God of the Buddhism. There are also Bao'en Yuan and Xanadu of Emperor Qianlong in the Dule Temple. Bao'en Yuan honors the famous Four Mad Monks in Chinese history, namely, Hanshan, Puhua, Fengbo and Daoqi.
In addition, there are lots of handwritings of ancient emperors, officials and celebrities, including Yan Song, Li Bai, Emperor Xianfeng and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).
Entrance Fee:
CNY 37 for Dule Temple; CNY 5 for Baita Temple
CNY 40 for the two temples;
CNY 10 for Guanyin Pavilion Ascending
Transportation:
A. There are buses from Tianjin Hebei Long-distance Bus Station every 10 minutes; it takes 2 to 2.5 hours and cost CNY 25;
B. Visitors from Beijing can take the coaches to Tianjin Ji County from Beijing Sihui Long-distance Bus Station; it takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 19.
More Tourist Attractions in Tianjin:
Dagukou Fort Ancient Cultural Street Haihe park Mt. Panshan
