It is a solemn and sacred teaching spot of Buddha and also a distinguished Buddhist art palace of Liao Dynasty.

The temple is as large as the Taihe Palace of the Imperial Palace in Beijing.

It's earliest building was built in 1038. Its wooden sculptures are all original Liao works.

According to the history of Liao dynasty, the temple was originally built as a place for Buddha worship by the emperors, it is also the place to worship the former kings.

It suffered several wars in Yuan and Ming dynasties (AD 1206-1644), during which all buildings were destroyed except for two halls.

Later, the temple was divided into two parts. In 2008, Datong government rebuilt these buildings, restoring its grandness and magnificence.