Construction and Transformation of Tayuan Temple in Mount Wutai

Tayuan Temple on Mount Wutai exemplifies the fusion of Tibetan Buddhist and imperial Chinese architectural influences, showcasing a layered construction process that reflects both religious and political power dynamics. The temple's evolution involved the initial establishment of a Tibetan-style pagoda, facilitated by the application of the Tibetan Buddhist Living Buddha doctrine and imperial patronage, followed by the erection of a surrounding Chinese-style temple structure, and finally the addition of facilities for imperial stays. This unique architectural transformation underscores the interplay between religious devotion and imperial authority during its development.

YU, S., & FUJIKAWA, M. (2022). CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION OF TAYUAN TEMPLE IN MOUNT WUTAI. Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ), 87(799), 1751–1761. https://doi.org/10.3130/aija.87.1751