Dayun Temple

CHINA, Shanxi, Linfen

Known locally as the Iron Buddha Temple, it was constructed during the rule of Emperor Taizong (reigned 627–649) of the Tang dynasty and has undergone repairs throughout its history. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1695 during the Qing dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1715. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
Facing east the main extant buildings are the main temple gate, intermediate hall, Great Hero Hall, Glazed Pagoda, and sutra repository. The six-story Glazed Pagoda is 39.8 m high. The length of the sides on the first level is 12 m. The first five levels are square, while the sixth level is octagonal. From the second level upwards there are a total of 58 glazed reliefs depicting Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, disciples, and the Life of the Buddha. The spire is in the form of a gilded jewel. The first level is hollow and houses a 6.8 m high iron head of the Buddha cast during the Tang dynasty (618–907).
Two steles relating to the restoration of Dayun Temple can be found embedded in the north and south walls. They describe in detail the consequences of the great earthquake of 1695.