Gaoping Iron Buddha Temple: A Glimpse of the Exquisite Twenty-Four Devas

Gaoping Iron Buddha Temple is like a recluse hidden away in an unassuming farmyard. Though small in scale, it houses the most astonishing masterpieces of ancient Shanxi painted sculptures, breaking the traditional serenity of sculptural expressions with a touch of boldness and exuberance, as if the Twenty-Four Devas are about to burst through their clay shells and descend to the mortal world. The temple's 27 surviving statues follow the layout of the Twenty-Four Devas, with the Four Heavenly Kings positioned at the four corners. The core sculpting technique—"using iron as bones and shaping with iron"—supports the clay bodies, allowing the statues to maintain their original posture and charm despite centuries of weathering. What makes the Iron Buddha Temple renowned and unparalleled are the Twenty-Four Deva statues on the gable walls. Along the junction of the front and rear walls and the gables, concave altars are built like a stage, carrying these artistic spirits. The altars are about one meter high, each adorned with twelve Deva statues, totaling twenty-four. They stand in orderly rows, as if awaiting a grand performance. Each statue is about three meters tall, with robust and upright postures resembling ancient warriors, exuding a sense of power. Their exaggerated and vivid facial expressions—every wrinkle and gaze—seem to contain endless stories, vividly portraying the emotions of the celestial beings, whether angry, smiling, or contemplative. The most striking and unique feature is their distinctive "explosive hairstyle." The meticulously crafted beards, ribbons, and crowns, made of iron wire, are unparalleled among ancient painted sculptures in Shanxi and even nationwide. 💧 Highlights: 1️⃣ Architectural Style: The main hall was built in the Jin Dynasty and renovated in the Ming Dynasty, featuring exquisite glazed components and a ridge ornament inscribed with "Shakyamuni Treasure Hall." 2️⃣ Twenty-Four Deva Painted Sculptures 3️⃣ Two Golden Pillars Inside the Hall: Richly decorated, worth a close look. Besides the paintings, they bear Ming Dynasty inscriptions and later fire prevention notices. 4️⃣ Murals: On the walls behind the door, there are over one-meter-tall murals of Bodhisattvas standing on lotus flowers and holding coral, with exquisite details. 5️⃣ Main Buddha's Backscreen: The aureole features suspended sculptures of the Three Buddhas, Twelve Enlightenment Bodhisattvas, Amitabha Buddha, Ten Wisdom Kings, and the Garuda, interspersed with flowers and flying dragons, all in splendid colors. 6️⃣ Look for Inscriptions: Before leaving, be sure to crouch and examine the precious inscriptions on the left doorstone. 7️⃣ View the Stone Tablets: Outside the hall are two stone tablets—one from the Ming Dynasty ("Record of the Renovation of Iron Buddha Temple") and one from the Qing Dynasty ("Record of the Repair of Iron Buddha Temple"). ✅ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays, except holidays) ✅ Visiting Method: Free admission with online reservation; visitor numbers are limited ⭕ (⚠️ No on-site reservations; maximum 500 visitors per day) This cultural heritage site is not an ordinary tourist attraction. The most stunning painted sculptures in Iron Buddha Temple remain unrestored. Please prioritize cultural preservation while visiting. We apologize for any inconvenience. 🙌 Notes: ◾️ The hall is dimly lit; visit on sunny days for better visibility. The best viewing time is between 10 AM and 2 PM. Each visit lasts about 3 minutes; you can queue multiple times (I queued three times to see everything). ◾️ The visiting time is very short. If taking photos, adjust your phone or camera 📸 settings (focus and ISO) in advance. Bring a telephoto lens for detailed shots.