Chinese Buddhist Architecture at Full Maturity: Cases in Western Liaoning

The Liao era was a period of great prosperity for Buddhist architecture in northern China. Already highly developed during the Tang Dynasty, Buddhist architecture and art continued to flourish in the regions around the Yanshan Mountains after the fall of Tang Dynasty, demonstrating the wisdom of monks and the ingenuity of master craftsmen in the new era. Fengguo Temple is an excellent example of the "Baroque" style of Liao Buddhist architecture and an unprecedented masterpiece showcasing a fully developed technical and artistic approach.

Pagodas are symbols of Liao culture, and this journey will take you to Jinzhou, Yixian, and Beizhen to admire several Liao pagodas that bear witness to the construction boom of a thousand years ago. Their characteristics of being high and steep, balanced and beautiful will remain unforgettable to viewers.