Bao'en Temple (Pingwu)

Bao'en Temple, also known as Bao'en Monastery, is a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Buddhist temple complex located in Pingwu County, Sichuan Province, China. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture, particularly its use of Nanmu wood (Phoebe zhennan) in its construction, making it a significant example of traditional Chinese carpentry and engineering.

The temple was commissioned by Wang Xi, a local chieftain of the Tibetan Qiang ethnicity, between 1440 and 1460 during the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty. It served as a family temple and a center for religious practice. Despite its relatively remote location, Bao'en Temple avoided significant damage over the centuries, allowing for the preservation of its original architectural features and layout.

The temple complex comprises several halls, gates, and courtyards arranged along a central axis. The most prominent structures include the Tianwang Hall (Hall of the Heavenly Kings), the Dabei Hall (Hall of Great Compassion), the Huayan Hall, and the Sutra Repository. The three-story Sutra Repository is particularly notable for its intricate wooden structure and its rotating sutra shelves, a feature designed to facilitate the turning of Buddhist scriptures. The entire complex is surrounded by high walls, creating a self-contained and protected environment.

Bao'en Temple is a valuable historical and cultural site due to its architectural integrity, its association with the local Qiang community, and its contribution to the understanding of Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple design. It has been designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by the State Council of China.