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Baoguo
Temple, situated in the valley of Lingshan Mountains, 15 kilometers
to the north of Ningbo, is the oldest
and most completely preserved wooden structure construction
in South China with over 970 years of age. It consists of
Shan Men(Mountain Gate), Tian Wang Dian (Hall of Heavenly
King), Da Dian (Grand Hall), occupying an area of 13,000 square
meters with the construction area of 6000 square meters.
The Grand
Hall is invaluable in the history of Chinese construction
in the field of history, arts and science. The main characteristics
of the hall are that its depth is larger than its width, hence
its form is a vertical rectangular. This structure is rare
in the cons truction
of Buddhist temples in the same period. The whole structure
of the hall, supporting the roof of over 50 tons, has layers
of layer ingeniously interlocking wooden brackets but not
a single nail was used. There are three hollowed-out sunken
panels in the ceiling, hiding the roof beam, hence the hall
is called "Beamless Hall." Besides the unique structure,
there is another peculiar phenomenon in the beamless hall.
No birds have ventured inside to make nests, not a single
spider web is found and no dust is accumulated.
Baoguo
Temple is a major historical and cultural site under state
protection.
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