Zhilin Temple

CHINA, Yunnan, Jianshui

According to a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) stele, construction of the temple started during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and was completed during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). It continued to prosper during the Ming dynasty. The main hall was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The temple faces south. Only the gateway and the main hall have survived. The gateway consists of two columns and a hip roof. The eaves are supported by intricate bracket sets. The main hall was built in 1296 during the Yuan dynasty and underwent considerable renovation during the rule of Emperor Yongle (reigned 1403–1424) of the Ming dynasty and Emperor Jiaqing (reigned 1796–1820) of the Qing dynasty. The square, five-by-five bay hall has a double-eave hip-and-gable roof and is surrounded by a veranda. The structure stands on a 1.3 m high platform which is 23 m long and 21 m wide. An additional platform enclosed by stone balustrades is located in front of the hall. It has a steeply pitched roof and both the eaves are supported by two-tier bracket sets with double downward-pointing cantilevers. The interior has a post-and-lintel construction with Ming dynasty murals. On the veranda there are two steles that record the reconstruction of the temple. They provide important historical information about the temple and the Buddhist culture of Yunnan, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties.