|
Xiangguo Monastery
Xiangguo Monastery is on Ziyou Road and was first built in 555. The temple was at most active during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127AD) when it housed more than 1,000 monks in 64 halls. However most of the halls still found in the temple date back to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). In the glazed-tile covered Octagonal Hall, you will find a wooden statue of the Avalokitesvara Buddha. This 5 meter (16ft) statue is a masterpiece devoted to detail, and the deity has 4 faces and 1,000 hands and eyes.
The bell tower holds a giant bronze bell made in the Qing Dynasty. Standing 3 meters (10ft) high it is known as the "Frost Bell of Xiangguo", because apparently, when frost forms on the bell its ring can be heard throughout town.
|