The sculptures of Tianlong Temple are located on the southern slope of Yuhuang Mountain in Hangzhou City, above Baiyun Temple, and were carved in the third year of the Qiande period of the Northern Song Dynasty (965 AD).
The sculptures consist of three niches. The main niche features seven statues, centered around Maitreya Buddha, adorned with flame patterns on the halo and body light. Asanga and Vasubandhu flank Maitreya. Then there are the statues of Dharma Flower Bodhisattva and Mahasattva, followed by the statues of mighty warriors. Above the niche, there are two flying celestial beings in relief.
The western niche depicts Amitabha Buddha, sitting in full lotus position, eyes closed in deep meditation, with flame patterns on the halo and body light as well. The eastern niche features the Water-Moon Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), with a plump face and serene elegance.
The sculptures of Tianlong Temple are vividly shaped and exquisitely carved, representing one of the artistic masterpieces of the Wuyue period. On April 23, 1986, the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government declared them as the first batch of municipal cultural relics protection units. On May 25, 2006, along with the sculptures of Ciyun Ridge and Yanxia Cave, they were included in the national key cultural relics protection units as part of the West Lake Southern Mountain sculptures, under the second batch of national key cultural relics protection units – Feilai Peak sculptures.
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