Ancient Architectural Complex on Bijia Mountain

Ancient Architectural Complex on Bijia Mountain

Bijia Mountain is located in Jinzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province. It faces the Bohai Sea and neighbors Jinzhou Port. The mountain has three peaks—two low and one high—shaped like a penholder, hence the name "Bijia Mountain."

Bijia Mountain is a sacred site of Taoism. The ancient architectural complex on the island includes numerous Taoist temples such as the Mountain Gate, Zhenren Temple, Lüzu Pavilion, Sun Temple, Five Mothers Palace, Dragon King Temple, Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, and Sanqing Pavilion. It is an important cultural heritage site and a scenic landmark of ancient architecture.

The Sanqing Pavilion is the most representative of the ancient buildings on the island. Standing 26.2 meters tall, it is entirely constructed from stone—including uniform stone walls, windows, corridors, stairs, and niches—across its six levels. Its upturned eaves, painted door gods, and all decorative elements are carved from stone, with not a single nail or piece of wood used in its construction. The pavilion houses 48 Buddha statues, each vividly lifelike, representing a combination of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism in a unique syncretic temple. The sixth level enshrines Pangu, regarded as the foremost deity among all gods, a rare sight in China. The architectural style of the Sanqing Pavilion breaks away from traditional Chinese structural designs, incorporating Western architectural elements such as arched stone windows and oval window frames, offering a refreshing visual experience. It is not only highly ornamental but also boasts a uniquely designed structure that holds significant research value.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Liaoning Province