Dalian Shigu Temple

Dalian Shigu Temple

Dalian Shigu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shigu Temple, also known as Tangwang Hall, was built during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Legend has it that it was constructed by the renowned general Yu Chengong (Yu Chijingde) of the late Sui and early Tang period for Emperor Li Shimin. When Li Shimin launched his eastern campaign against Goguryeo, he stationed troops here, hence many of the relics here are associated with him, which is why it’s called Tangwang Hall. In the 51st year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty, Ju Xingjin, a member of the Plain Yellow Banner of Han Army in Jinzhou, raised funds to rebuild it, and it was renovated multiple times during the Daoguang reign and the early years of the Republic of China. The area is covered in lush forests, with serene scenery, overlapping mountain ridges, drifting clouds, and numerous scenic spots scattered throughout. In earlier times, there were two round stones in front of the temple. When the mountain wind blew, they struck each other with a sound like drums, which is how the temple got its name, Shigu (Stone Drum) Temple.

From the southern foot of the mountain, you can climb up via Guanmenzhai Pass through the Eighteen Bends. From the north, you can reach the temple along the winding mountain road from Chaoyang Temple. The Mahavira Hall enshrines statues of the Buddha Shakyamuni, Amitabha Buddha, and Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha). Shakyamuni (565 BC – 486 BC), a prince of the ancient kingdom of Kapilavastu (in present-day Nepal) in northern ancient India, belonged to the Kshatriya caste and is the founder of Buddhism. According to Buddhist scriptures, at the age of 29, moved by the suffering of birth, aging, illness, and death in the human world, he renounced his royal life and became a monk. At 35, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and thus founded Buddhism, which flourished for 45 years. He passed into Nirvana at around 80 years old in Kushinagar. Another account states that he attained enlightenment at 30 and preached for 49 years. Amitabha Buddha is the principal deity of the Western Pure Land (also known as the Land of Bliss, Sukhavati, or the Happy Realm). The Sanskrit word "Amitabha" means "Boundless Light" or "Boundless Life" in Chinese, hence the name Amitabha. Bhaisajyaguru, also known as the Medicine Buddha, the King of Lapis Lazuli Light, the Great Physician Buddha, the Sage Healer, or the Twelve Vow King, is the principal deity of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World.

The east side hall enshrines the Bodhisattva Guanyin, while the west side hall houses the Maitreya Buddha. Further west is Tangwang Hall, where statues of Emperor Tang (Li Shimin) are flanked on the left and right by his trusted ministers Wei Zheng and Xu Maogong—both of whom were historically renowned for their strong support of Emperor Taizong. The left and right sides of the hall feature Tang’s generals: on the east are Li Jing and Yu Chijingde, and on the west are Xue Rengui and Zhang Liang. These generals were all known for their wisdom, courage, and valor. During his reign, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin implemented the Equal-Field System, developed water conservancy, boosted the economy, established the imperial examination system, and appointed talented individuals. Thanks to his outstanding governance, he earned deep support from the people, ushering in the prosperous era known as the “Zhenguan Reign.” Historical records indicate that in the 19th year of the Zhenguan era, Zhang Liang led a naval force from Donglai across the sea to attack Bishe City. The expedition commander Cheng Mingzhen led troops to arrive by night, with Vice Commander Wang Dadu scaling the walls first. On the day of the fourth month, Ji Si (May), the city was captured.