Lingyan Temple in Jinan's Changqin district has a history of more than 1,600 years and is one of the four most famous temples in China.

The temple was built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and was at its peak from the Tang (618-907) to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it had more than 50 buildings and 500 monks.

The temple is known for its painted Luohan (arhat) clay sculptures and Tomb Towers.

The 40 painted Luohan (arhat) clay sculptures from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in Qianfo Hall are considered the most famous of clay works in China. The Tomb Towers is where the ashes of monks are kept after they die.

Lingyan Temple was in 1982 listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. The temple is open to the public from 8:00 to 17:00. Tickets cost 40 yuan ($6.19) per person.

Lingyan Temple in Changqin district of Jinan has a history of more than 1,600 years. [Photo by Zhang Renyu/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The painted Luohan (arhat) clay sculptures from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) are considered the most famous of clay works in China. [Photo by Zhang Renyu/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tomb Towers, a renowned site in Lingyan Temple [Photo by Zhang Renyu/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]