Dalian Chaoyang Temple

Dalian Chaoyang Temple

Dalian Chaoyang Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Chaoyang Temple is a Buddhist temple built during the Ming Dynasty. It is located at the western foot of Dahei Mountain (lù). Due to its picturesque scenery, it was historically known as "Mingxiu Temple" and was renamed Chaoyang Temple only in the sixth year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty. The entire temple complex faces south, with its front and rear mountain gates built atop two hills, while the main halls are situated on the sunny slope of the back hill. From a holistic view, it appears as though a mountain lies behind it and another embraces it from the front, hence the phrase “embracing yang while backed by yin” is used to describe it. During the deep winter when everything is frozen under a blanket of snow, and right after a fresh snowfall, the silver-white landscape glistens, making the trees, mountain gates, meditation rooms, and halls appear even more enchanting and dazzling. This scene is known as one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Jinzhou — “Chaoyang Snow After the Clearing.”

The temple complex consists of two courtyards, three mountain gates, and covers an area of approximately 30,000 square meters. The first gate is a traditional Chinese hanging-flower style gate, with a plaque reading “Ancient Chaoyang Temple” (Chaoyang Gucha) above the lintel. Normally, visitors and worshippers use the side entrance, and the main gate is only opened on special occasions or for distinguished guests. Chaoyang Temple is divided into front and rear courtyards. The second gate is designed like a traditional Chinese memorial archway, with a large blue plaque bearing the golden characters “Chaoyang Temple,” inscribed by the renowned Chinese calligrapher Qi Gong, welcoming visitors from all directions.

On the reverse side of this gate hangs a horizontal plaque inscribed with the words “Glory of All Dharmas” (Wanfa Zhuangyan), written by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China. The front courtyard houses two halls on its eastern and western sides, dedicated to the Yama Hall and the Eight Guardian Deities, respectively. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the third gate leads into the rear courtyard, which is also the main courtyard of Chaoyang Temple. At the center is the Mahavira Hall, with the Heavenly Queen Hall on the east side and the Medicine King Hall on the west. Flanking the entrance of the Mahavira Hall are the fearsome statues of the Heavenly Kings Heng and Ha, depicted with muscular bodies and bare upper torsos. At the center of the hall is the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The murals on the three surrounding walls depict his journey of renunciation, enlightenment, and attainment of Buddhahood. On the left is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, riding a lion, and on the right is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Samantabhadra, riding a white elephant. Below, the standing statues on the left and right are Ananda and Kasyapa, respectively.

Location: Inside Dahei Mountain Scenic Area, Jinzhou District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province

Transportation by Bus: Take the light rail from the North Square of Dalian Railway Station to the Development Zone Station, then transfer to Bus No. 4 and get off at Xinglin Community. Walk to reach the temple.

Driving Route: From Dalian, take National Highway 201 — Jinwan Road — Jinzhou — turn right onto Wuyi Road — arrive at Hongwei Lanshan Station — then get on Fengxiang Road to reach the destination.