The recent success of the Chinese action game \"Black Myth: Wukong\" has shone a spotlight on Shanxi's ancient architectural wonders, especially the enchanting Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao City.
Originally known as the Zhongdu Temple, this ancient marvel's exact founding date remains a mystery due to its incredible age. But guess what? An old stone tablet in the temple courtyard tells us it was reconstructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557), making it over 1,400 years old! 
Renamed Shuanglin Temple during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), most of the structures we see today date back to the Ming (1369-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Talk about a walk through history!
Don't let its modest size fool you. Shuanglin Temple is a cultural treasure trove, home to over 2,000 intricately painted clay sculptures. Each one is unique, crafted during the Ming Dynasty's rebuilding of the temple. These masterpieces are so well-preserved that they're considered among the finest examples of Ming Dynasty sculpture, continuing the rich traditions of the Tang, Song, Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. 
If you're an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or just someone looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Shuanglin Temple is calling your name! Pack your bags and set your sights on this hidden gem—you won't regret it! 
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
