Liao Dynasty temple prepares to open for National Day

As China's National Day holiday approaches, Geyuan Temple in Laiyuan county of Baoding, Hebei province, is preparing to welcome the public, offering a rare glimpse into the architectural heritage of the Liao Dynasty (916–1125).

Though not yet fully developed as a tourist site, the temple has gradually attracted attention from historians and architecture enthusiasts. Its main building, Wenshu Hall, was built in 966 and is one of only eight surviving structures from the Liao period in the country. The hall was designated a national key cultural relic in 1996, according to the county's culture and tourism bureau.

Wenshu Hall is celebrated for its exquisite features, including intricately carved lattice windows and partition doors that mark a transition in classical Chinese architectural style.

The interior is adorned with large-scale murals, executed in the early Liao Dynasty style and believed to have been created by imperial court painters. The murals retain the artistic legacy of the Tang Dynasty (618–907), with smooth, vivid lines and detailed imagery.

Another highlight of the temple is the Feihu Bell, cast in 1114. The two-ton iron bell, measuring 1.6 meters in height and 1.5 meters in diameter, is the only Liao-era bell with a clearly inscribed date, according to the bureau.

Decorated with more than 1,200 Chinese characters and 55 Sanskrit scripts, it was cast for prayers for the emperor and royal family and serves as a valuable historical record.

Scholars also praise Geyuan Temple for its distinctive bracket systems, windows, and murals, collectively dubbed the hall's "Three Treasures". These features make it an important site for understanding Liao culture and architecture.

With its planned opening during the National Day holiday, this hidden gem is expected to draw a wider audience.