At Dule Temple (Temple of Solitary Joy) in Jizhou, Tianjin, the Guanyin Pavilion was initially built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), while the existing structure dates to 984 during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). It is one of the oldest surviving wooden-frame pavilions in China. Beneath the eaves, tiers of dougong brackets project outward, with the wooden components joined by traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. They not only support the eaves but also give the pavilion an elegant, rhythmic profile. After more than a thousand years, the architectural legacy of the Tang Dynasty and the craftsmanship of the Liao Dynasty can still be seen in its sweeping eaves. Travel with ease in China, and with meaning. #Tianjin# #DuleTemple# #GuanyinPavilion# #Dougong# #ChinaBound# #ASnapshotOfChina#