Baoen Temple

Introduction
Bao'en Temple lies in Pingwu County of Mianyang City, Sichuan province, some 184 km away from the city center. It is one of the largest and the best preserved ancient architectural complex of Ming Dynasty in Sichuan province. Bao'en Temple was initially built in 1440, which has a history for about 600 years. There was a rumor that Wang Xi, an official in Pingwu, attempted to rebel the central government and stealthily built a palace by mimicking the Forbidden City in Beijing. This action was perceived by the court and found guilty later. So Wang Xi claimed that his just constructed a temple to "requite royal graciousness" (Bao'en). As a result, this building is called "Bao'en Temple". Resembling the layout of Forbidden City in Beijing, Bao'en Temple is also regarded as "The hidden Forbidden City in mountains".

Layout & Function
Bao'en Temple covers an area of about 27,800 square meters, about 278 m east-west, 100 m south -north. Facing east, the whole architectural objects occupies 3,518 square meters, with the plane layout gradually goes upward from east to west. The main building is arranged along the central axis and in symmetry from left to right, which is a perfect example of royal style. This temple is divided into three courtyards from front to the back. The first courtyard ranges from the mountain gate to the Tianwang Hall, with three bridges in the middle and a bell tower in the north. Glass horoscopes wall, steps, statues of Suanni, Buddhist stone pillars and plaza intersperse amongst. The second courtyard locates behind the Tianwang Hall. It is composed of the Main Hall and three side halls, Huayan Hall, Dabei Hall, Tianwang Hall. Behind the Main Hall, there is the third courtyard which comprises Tablet Pavilions (south and north), 34 porches, the Main Hall and the Wanfo Pavilion, which is surrounded by a refectory, storerooms, and the hall for dragon patriarch, ect.

Information
Address: No. 63, North Street, Long'an Town, Pingwu County, Mianyang City
Official website: http://www.betm.org.cn/
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
Entrance Fee: CNY 30