The best book on the spread of Buddhism to China from India is still the old 1964 published, Buddhism in China: A Historical Survey by Kenneth Chen.
Guangsheng Temple in Shanxi.
Built in the Han Dynasty, this multi-glazed colour pagoda and temple complex is famous for its copy of the Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka rediscovered there in 1933 (but is no longer kept there anymore) and the many Yuan Dynasty murals on its walls.
These murals are priceless. Some were cut out and spirited to America in the lawless years.
The Buddhist sutras, a copy of the Zhaocheng Jin Tripitaka, were printed in the Jin Dynasty and presented by Kublai Khan to this temple. It is now kept in Beijing.
This is a must-visit place.
Lwh, 17 March 2025
