Zuyue Temple

Zuyue Temple

Zuyue Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Anshan City.

Qianshan Zuyue Temple

Zuyue Temple is one of the earliest temple structures in Qianshan. Legend has it that when the construction of the temple first began, a master monk passed by and carefully inspected the architecture, after which the temple was named Zuyue Temple. Research indicates that it was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. The initial structure was broad and magnificent—several times larger than the present one. Later, during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, a mountain flood destroyed the temple, and its ruins were located in the low, open area in front of the current site. From the ruins, archaeologists unearthed large carved stone railings, lotus-patterned pedestal columns, column bases, broken stone tablet tops, porcelain shards, and more. These artifacts provide important clues for studying the temple architecture and religious history of Qianshan. The current site of Zuyue Temple was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and was successively renovated and refurbished during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong, Daoguang, and Guangxu reigns. After the liberation, it underwent multiple repairs. There are currently seven main buildings, with the Shakyamuni Hall serving as the main hall. To its east are the Hu Xian Hall and guest rooms, while at the foot of the main hall are the east and west side halls. South of the side halls are the bell tower and drum tower, symmetrically aligned from east to west. The Shakyamuni Hall faces the temple gate directly, outside of which extends a stone wall over fifty meters long. The architecture of Zuyue Temple is relatively compact, centralized, and orderly. It is built within a winding, narrow, trumpet-shaped valley, where the terrain is higher in the north and lower in the south. The flat ground in front of the temple is about ten meters above the slope below, and the lower parts of the temple buildings were entirely elevated using stacked stones—a testament to the immense engineering challenges of the time.

Zuyue Temple features majestic halls and beautiful mountain scenery, creating a picturesque landscape. The peaks on the east and west sides embrace the temple like two hands cradling a precious jewel. Above, the green cliffs and forest waves surge with vitality; below, red pillars and green tiles highlight the temple’s resplendence. Beside the temple, streams gurgle down with a refreshing coolness; behind the mountain, a small pavilion stands delicately, exuding tranquility and elegance that captivate visitors. Ancient poets composed many verses in praise of Zuyue Temple, and modern visitors continue to marvel at its beauty and grandeur. A former admirer wrote, “Zuyue Temple is full of wonders, as if nature itself performs illusions.” The Ming Dynasty poet Xu Wenhua also praised it in verse: “Often lingering where waters flow, where verdant hills embrace each other in soft embrace. The peaks rise high, deep valleys lie low, wildflowers color the cliffs with vibrant hue. The paths wind round the rocky spine, one cannot help but pause and gaze with awe. This sacred temple stands timeless, a vision no brush can fully show.” Other poems such as "Tang Fang’s Ode," "Zhong An’s Elegance," "Lu Xun’s Quietude," "Shao Xuan’s Solitude," and "Wu Fu’s Praise" all reference Zuyue Temple. Some poets noted, “I thought I had seen all of nature’s beauty, until I came here and my views changed,” others wrote, “The mountain seems to beckon me,” or “Chessboards are left behind on the peaks,” and some reflected, “I almost forgot I was among mortals.”

Protected Area: With the center point of the mountain gate as the base, 15 meters east, 20 meters south, 55 meters west, and 60 meters north.

Construction Control Zone: A first-class control zone extends 45 meters beyond the protected area, and a second-class control zone extends 50 meters beyond the first-class zone.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Liaoning Province