Baoguo Temple Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information
Baoguo Temple, one of the earliest historical sites under State protection, is the first scenic spot in Ningbo opened to the tourists. With a history of more than 960 years, the temple is a rare example of wooden structure construction in the south area of the Yangtze River.
History story
Baoguo Temple has a long history. Story has it that, during Jianwu Period of East Han Dynasty, General Zhan Yi and his son Zhang Qifang loved the nice mountains and clear water here so much that they retired to here and lived in this mountain in seclusion.
As the Buddhism was introduced, their houses were built into temples. Because the temple stood on Mt. Lingshan, it acquired its original name - Lingshan Temple. However, an imperial edict was released in 845, the fifth year during Huichang Period of Tang Dynasty, to destroy all the temples in China, of which the Lingshan Temple was one.
In 880, Lingshan Temple was restored and renamed Baoguo Temple. As the essence of Baoguo Temple, the Main Hall, also named Beamless Hall, was reconstructed in 1013 and is one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden constructions in China. The temple also contains columns of the Tang Dynasty, a hall dating from the Ming Dynasty, and two halls and towers of the Qing Dynasty.
What a spectacular building
Constructed without the use of a single nail, Baoguo Temple-China's longest surviving wooden building is a miracle in history.
Where was built
The temple was built on a slope. Arranged along the central axis that extends northward are the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Hall of Goddess of Mercy and the Sutra Attic, with the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower on the two wings and other buildings.
Traditional flavor
It has the flavor of traditional Chinese architecture and shows a distinction between different structures. In front of the hall, there are springs and ponds, rippling all year round. Following the steps from the foot of the mountain, you can reach the Baoguo Temple.
How the wooden temple survived
If the fact that this wooden temple has survived for nigh on a millennium isn't impressive enough, it was constructed without the use of a single nail. The main hall, circular in design, has proven itself to be quite the enigma. Birds, rodents and insects refuse to nest in the temple.
Some purport that it is some form of magic which keeps the temple pest free, some claim the wood gives off an aroma which is offensive to critters. Others suggest that the wind blowing in from outside swirls around in the hall and create a vortex-making condition uncomfortable for birds and rodents, all the while keeping the wood dust and insect free.
The Main Hall
As the essence of Baoguo Temple, the Main Hall, also named Beamless Hall, is one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden constructions in China.
Basic knowledge
The Main Hall, built in the 6th year (1013) during the Dazhong Xiangfu reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), is three bays in width and depth, and is in the layout of a vertical rectangle to let more disciples express their homage.
In the front, three sunk panels are ingeniously installed, demonstrating the fine and rare architectural techniques at that time. The sunk panels are at a low position, while the place for the statue of Buddha is high and spacious, forming striking contrast. This well sets off an atmosphere of solemnity and superiority of the Buddha.
The wooden structure
The Main Hall employs wooden square blocks inserted between the top of a column and a crossbeam in several places, along the outer eaves, on columns and crossbeams. The columns in the hall are made with ingenuity, that around a relatively small column, some long curved pieces of wood are wrapped to make the column.
In this way, it not only saves materials, but also makes the appearance look more gorgeous. The hall refrains from using flashy ornaments and focuses on its practicality. It can effectively reduce damages caused by earthquakes.
When to see
Opening hours: 08:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Getting there
By bus: 332
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