Baoguo Temple

Baoguo Temple

Situated 15 kilometers away from downtown Ningbo on the side of Lingshan Mountain, Baoguo Temple (保国寺) is the oldest and most completely preserved wooden structure in South China. The main hall of the present temple dates back to 1013 in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125).

It consists of Shan Men (Mountain Gate), Tian Wang Dian (Hall of Heavenly King), Da Dian (Grand Hall), and the Scripture Repository, occupying an area of 13,000 square meters.

As the oldest and the best-preserved example of wooden architecture south of the Yangtze River, the Grand Hall is invaluable to the nation's architectural studies and still a mystery to scientists.

Baoguo Temple

The hall was built without a single nail or beam. In addition, no birds have ventured inside to make nests, nor have insects, and no dust has accumulated. The Bell Tower, the Drum Tower and the Guest House are scattered along the hall.

The museum of the ancient building of Ningbo Baoguo Temple was rated as a national 4A-level tourist spot, the second highest level recognized by China's National Tourism Administration in 2007.

Opening hours: 8:00 am -4:30 pm

Ticket price: 20 yuan ($3)

Add: Hongtang Street, Jiangbei district, Ningbo, Zhejiang province

Tel: 0574-87586317

Transportation: Baisha Station, Bus No 332, 338