Eight Great Architectures of the Liao Dynasty

The Eight Great Architectures of the Liao DynastyChinese: 八大辽构; pinyin: bā dà liáo gòu) are a collection of eight Buddhist structures constructed during the Liao dynasty in China and have been conserved to this day.[1] Buddhism during the Liao dynasty was influenced by the Tang dynasty, as Buddhist relics were relocated to the Hebei vassal state for safekeeping following Emperor Wuzong of Tang's suppression of Buddhism. This relocation facilitated the growth of Buddhism in the Khitan ethnic settlements.[2] While many buildings from the Liao dynasty were destroyed in conflicts, a select few Buddhist structures have been preserved, with the "Eight Great Architectures of the Liao Dynasty" serving as notable examples. Despite their initial construction during the Liao dynasty, these buildings have undergone various degrees of restoration or reconstruction in subsequent eras. They are all designated as the most significant immovable cultural relics in China and are classified as major cultural heritage sites under national-level protection.

  1. ^ 杨昆 (2017). "西京大同府"八大辽构"中的经典遗存". 国家人文历史 (20): 88–93. ISSN 2095-5189. Archived from the original on 2023-04-24. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
  2. ^ 竺沙雅章 (1998). 征服王朝的時代: 宋・元 (in Chinese). 稻鄉出版社. p. 75. ISBN 978-957-9628-31-0. Archived from the original on 2023-04-24. Retrieved 2023-04-24.