Mingxing Temple

Mingxing Temple

Mingxing Temple is a cultural heritage site protected at the Liaoning Provincial level.

Mingxing Temple, located on the north side of Jie East Road in Gangyaoling Town, Nanpiao District, is a provincial-level cultural heritage site. Built in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (1901), it features a diverse structure and exquisite architectural artistry, making it a treasured example of Qing Dynasty ancient architecture complexes in western Liaoning. The temple began renovation work in 2009, with the first phase now completed and the second phase currently underway.

The entire temple complex is built along the mountain terrain, facing south with a northward orientation, and rises layer by layer. Moreover, each level of buildings stands along the same central axis, with semi-circular main gates resembling long rainbows, nested within each other, creating a grand and imposing atmosphere. In front of the temple are two bluestone flagpoles, each mounted on a base formed by two massive stones embracing a square stone cover, connected with iron hoops and topped with gilded bronze finials. At the steps in front of the mountain gate, there is also a pair of stone lions seated on stone pedestals level with the stairs. The lions sit upright with heads held high—the right lion has its left paw resting on a cub, while the left lion has its right paw on a ball, both exuding a majestic and powerful presence.

The first level consists of the Mountain Gate Buddha Hall. On either side of the gate are small stone lions atop the door pedestals. The three-bay gatehouse has the central bay serving as the main entrance, with the Four Heavenly Kings enshrined on either side. There are corner gates on the east and west sides of the mountain gate, connected to it by walls. The two corner gates are identical in style, each with two wooden doors. The connecting wall between the east and west corner gates of the mountain gate and the first-floor monks' quarters lies on the second horizontal line, with four evenly spaced steps arranged neatly in front.

Further inside, you will see the second level—comprising the memorial archway and the Bell and Drum Towers. This is a three-gate, multi-story cement memorial archway, with Bell and Drum Towers constructed on the east and west sides respectively. On the east side of the Drum Tower and the west side of the Bell Tower, there are additional moon gates. The archway is supported by four square cement pillars, with a couplet inscribed on the middle two pillars and three-curved dragon pearl motifs sculpted on the side pillars. The archway also features a large plaque inscribed with the words “Transcend the Ordinary and Enter the Sacred,” accompanied by smaller plaques and circular bas-relief designs.

The third level is the Second Buddha Hall. Stepping inside, you’ll see a semi-circular arched gateway, with the arch’s brickwork featuring multiple layers of raised and recessed patterns, along with decorative motifs. At the top of this level is a square platform, upon which stands a pavilion. The brick carvings depict the “Heavenly Horse Wishing Longevity with Cloud Dragons” and “Pine and Crane Symbolizing Longevity,” while the interior of the pavilion houses lifelike statues, including one of Yue Fei. Throughout these halls and pavilions, you can admire exquisitely crafted brick carvings of floral and bird designs, such as lotus-bearing carp reliefs, all very beautiful.

The sixth level is the Fifth Buddha Hall, built on a multi-tiered high platform foundation that is two stories high. Ascending the passage and stone steps to the second level of the building, you’ll find the second-floor pavilion housing a statue of the “True Warrior Emperor,” rendered with remarkable lifelikeness and vivid detail.