Bao Sheng Temple in Luzhi is a millennia-old Buddhist temple in Jiangnan. The nine clay sculptures of Arhats, crafted by Tang Dynasty sculptors, have been well-preserved through the ages despite the ravages of time. The temple complex still houses over 200 structures, maintaining the layout of the temple, and is acclaimed as one of the four major monasteries in Jiangnan. Existing structures within the temple include the Double Mountain Gate and the Antiquities Museum. Mr. Guo, after visiting, remarked, “The Arhat sculptures of Bao Sheng Temple reveal the muscles and sinews through the chest, with veins evident in the hands. Despite being bound by religious themes, the sense of reality exerts an infinite force that compels one to feel a sense of noble beauty.” To the north of the courtyard stands the Antiquities Museum, built on the original site of the Mahavira Hall, which houses the world-renowned “Sculptured Wall Arhats.” To the west of the temple, there are remnants of the hermitage of Lu Gui Meng, a renowned poet and scholar from the late Tang Dynasty, including the Duck Fighting Pond, Qingfeng Pavilion, and Chuihong Bridge. The temple is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00.
