Zishou Temple Travel Guide

Zishou Temple is situated at Suxi Village, which is close to Pingyao Ancient Town. It was first built over 1,100 years ago and has a history of more than 1100 years. It comprises 15 halls and buildings on 15,000 square meters, such as the Classics Collection buildings; the Buddhist Hall Courtyard; the Buddhist Abbot´s Courtyard and the Bell and Drum Building.

It is famous for its graceful colored statues, especially the exquisite statues of the eighteen disciples of Buddha. The name "Zishou" originally meant "ensuring the longevity of all creatures.

Public Buddhist worship and ceremonies have been actively held in the temple since ancient times, but Zishou Temple is famous mainly for its large Ming Dynasty frescoes and colourful sculptures of the 18 Buddhist Saints. Zishou was rated a National Cultural Relic Preservation Unit in 2001 and is included in the "Dictionary of Scenic Spots in China".