Yunlong Mountain Xinghua Temple

Yunlong Mountain Xinghua Temple

Yunlong Mountain Xinghua Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xinghua Temple is a renowned ancient temple in northern Jiangsu, located on the picturesque eastern foothills of Yunlong Mountain in Xuzhou. The temple was built around a large Northern Wei Dynasty stone Buddha and has endured for a thousand years with its lamp burning continuously, making it the largest Buddhist monastery in northern Jiangsu today.

Yunlong Mountain is one of China’s fifty famous mountains, situated three li south of Xuzhou city. The mountain has nine undulating sections that twist like a dragon, stretching for several li. Su Dongpo, a great scholar of the Song Dynasty, once described Yunlong Mountain in his “Record of the Crane-Releasing Pavilion”: “At the turn of spring and autumn, the grass and trees touch the sky; in winter and autumn, under snow and moonlight, the landscape is unified in a single hue.”

Yunlong Mountain is also known as Stone Buddha Mountain. The “Stone Buddha” refers to the stone Buddha statue at the mountain’s summit, namely the large Northern Wei Dynasty stone Buddha. “Its body is over three zhang tall, with smaller attendant Buddha statues on both sides, all carved out of the rock.”

Regarding the stone Buddha of Yunlong Mountain. According to the “Prefectural Records”: “In the first year of the Zhengping era (451 AD), Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty led 300,000 troops southward to invade the Song Dynasty, setting up camp in the areas of Yunlong Mountain and Xima Platform, attacking Pengcheng for three months without success. During their leisure time, soldiers used weapons to carve along the cliff. At that time, only a Buddha head was sculpted—broad-faced with large ears, and solemn in appearance—commonly called the Buddha Head Rock.”

In the third year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1664 AD), Magistrate Wang Mincheng extended the carving to include two arms and the chest of the stone Buddha, forming a half-body statue of Amitabha Buddha, standing over three zhang and six chi tall. The nearly thousand small stone Buddha statues nearby and the cliff inscriptions depicting Buddhist stories were created during the Tang Dynasty, boasting a history of 1,500 years.

The temple buildings of Xinghua Temple, according to inscriptions on the site, date back to the Song and Liang dynasties when a temple already existed here but later fell into disrepair and collapsed. In the 11th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1398 AD), the eminent monk Shengji constructed the main hall on the mountain to cover the stone Buddha. In the 5th year of the Xuande era (1426 AD), the main hall was destroyed by fire, leaving the hall in ruins while the stone Buddha remained intact.

In the 7th year of the Xuande era (1432 AD), the abbot Wengan expanded the hall into five rooms. The hall was built along the cliff and shaped by the mountain; the front wall rose over three zhang high, while the rear wall was merely three bricks stacked, about a chi tall. The overall design was ingeniously unique, skillfully constructed, and epitomized the essence of classical architecture, hence earning the reputation of “a three-brick hall covering a three-zhang Buddha,” admired by scholars throughout history.

In the spring of the 20th year of the Chenghua era (1487 AD), the eunuch Gao Gongying and others visited Xinghua Temple and lamented its dilapidated state. Later, through Gao Gongying’s initiative and support from various sources, the temple was restored to its former glory. The main hall regained its splendor under sunlight and rosy clouds.

After Wengan passed away, the stone Buddha temple again fell into ruins. In the 23rd year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1606 AD), Miyuan, a disciple of the Chan master Miyun Wuyu from Tiantong Temple in Ningbo, was traveling to Mount Wutai and visiting scenic spots in the capital when he passed through Pengcheng. Seeing the neglected stone Buddha temple, he resolved to renovate it. He sent his disciple Gutan to Pengcheng to solicit donations and acquire temple fields to repair Xinghua Chan Temple, relight the incense lamps, and restore its spiritual flame. Over the next eleven generations of abbots—including Tianchi, Kui Zhang, Yuetai, Shezhu, Taiguang, Dengzhou, Shantang, Miaoyuan, Renshan, and Xiaozhou—the incense continued until the early 1960s.

In 1966, with the onset of the Cultural Revolution, after enduring centuries of change, the thousand-year-old Xinghua Chan Temple suffered greatly: scriptures were burned, ritual implements looted, the large stone Buddha smashed, and the nearly thousand smaller stone Buddhas on both sides almost entirely destroyed. Elder monk Xiaozhou was persecuted to death, and the temple was taken over and managed by the gardening authorities.

On January 20, 1986, the Preparatory Committee of the Xuzhou Buddhist Association reclaimed management of Xinghua Temple. Thanks to the efforts of Elder Yangxi, Master Longqi, and Master Guoguang, the temple’s sacred statues were remolded, ritual instruments restored, and incense relit, bringing Xinghua Chan Temple back to life.

In September 1998, Master Guoguang was appointed the 13th abbot of Xinghua Chan Temple. To revive the temple’s legacy, he proposed an overall plan and expansion vision. In August 2001, the Xuzhou Development and Planning Commission approved the project; in December 2002, the foundation-laying ceremony for the renovation and expansion of Xinghua Chan Temple was held. Construction began on the mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, sky bridge, Jade Buddha Hall, and the thirteen-story pagoda.

Entering from the west gate to visit Xinghua Temple, you’ll find a moon-shaped mountain gate. On both the inner and outer sides of the gate are embedded marble plaques inscribed with the eight large characters “Xinghua Chan Temple” and “Yunlong Ancient Temple.” To the north of the west gate lies a stele corridor, built in the late Qing Dynasty. The corridor walls are inlaid with over thirty stone tablets, among which the “Sacred Teaching Preface” stele—composed by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty for Master Xuanzang—is considered a treasured piece.

On either side of the main hall’s gables are side chambers housing the Bell and Drum Towers, both built during the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty (1420–1435 AD). The northern tower is the Bell Tower, originally hanging a bronze bell, which was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The current bell, cast in the 3rd year of the Xuande era (1428 AD), weighs about three tons and is one of the ancient relics preserved in Xinghua Temple. The southern tower is the Drum Tower; its original large drum was also destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. A new drum has been installed, and the monks’ daily chanting is accompanied by the harmonious sounds of bells and drums, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

To the east of the Bell and Drum Towers are the North and South Arhat Halls. Originally built during the Xuande era by the eminent monk Wengan and his disciples, they enshrined the Eighteen Arhats. Destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, they have since been reconstructed. The North Arhat Hall now houses statues of the Three Saints of the West, while the South Arhat Hall has been converted into a Dharma item distribution area. The Eighteen Arhats are now enshrined within the Mahavira Hall.

In the first year of the Zhengtong era (1436 AD), Monk Wengan built a three-room Maitreya Hall in front of the main hall, forming a courtyard. According to remnants of inscriptions at Xinghua Temple, there is a note reading: “On the first day of the tenth month in the year of Bingchen during the Kangxi reign, the Korean-born Zen master Wenming rebuilt the Maitreya Hall,” indicating it was once renovated. Also, according to the “Record of Rebuilding the Front Hall of the Great Buddha Temple,” during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1862–1874), the temple suffered damage from war and weather, causing the platform to collapse and statues to fall. In the seventh year of the Tongzhi era (1869 AD), Sun Wenli, the military commander of the central garrison in Xuzhou, generously funded its reconstruction. However, after subsequent wars and turmoil, the Maitreya Hall no longer exists.

At the northern end of the Maitreya Hall once stood the Guan Yu Shrine (also known as the Sangharama Hall). According to inscriptions at Xinghua Temple: “It was repurposed from the Lotus Pavilion, a tradition dating back a long time, from the Jin and Liang dynasties to the present. With eaves collapsed and walls dilapidated, the community resolved to renew the old into the new. Thus, in the year of Xin Chou (1661 AD), Abbot Haiji and his disciples renovated it.” It no longer exists today.

To the north of the Sangharama Hall was the White-Robed Great Being Pavilion. Today, a stone tablet from the Wanli era (1573–1620 AD) records: “At that time, Abbot Xinggui built it as three rooms.” It no longer exists.

During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, a Yongning Treasury was built at the right end of Xinghua Chan Temple, also known as the “Perfect Enlightenment Treasury.” Records indicate there were two such treasuries, north and south. Before the Cultural Revolution, the left one was destroyed, and the right one was demolished when the Heavenly King Hall was built. According to the “Record of Building the Yongning Treasury” erected in the fourth month of the Renxu year of the Kangxi era, “Throughout history, the great mountains and famed temples that enshrine Buddhist images have served as foundations of deep faith and blessings. Devotees who come to worship offer incense and paper money. Without a treasury to properly store these offerings, it felt unsettling.” Clearly, the incense offerings were abundant then, and the treasury was built to prevent a repeat of the fire disaster from the Xuande era.

The location once occupied by the ancient Maitreya Hall and Yongning Treasury is now replaced by the majestic Mahavira Hall. In 1985, Elder Yangxi resided at Xinghua Temple and discovered that the large stone Buddha enshrined in the Buddha Hall was not Shakyamuni Buddha, but Amitabha Buddha, the ruler of the Western Pure Land. Thus, he vowed to rebuild the Mahavira Hall to enshrine the sacred image of Shakyamuni Buddha. Construction began in June 1993. During the process, carvings of Buddhist figures such as Shakyamuni Buddha, bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, warriors, flying apsaras, eminent monks, and devotees were discovered on the stone cliffs ten meters underground. These figures were carved into the mountain cliffs, arranged in layers and groups, presenting a spectacular sight. The carvings feature smooth lines, full-bodied figures, and artistic charm. Later, archaeologists confirmed them to be works from the Tang and Song dynasties. In 1995, the carvings were designated as provincial-level protected cultural relics by the provincial government. Zhao Puchu, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Buddhist Association of China, inscribed the eight large characters “Tang-Song Cliff Carvings of Buddhist Statues,” which are now embedded on the lintel of the protection chamber for the cliff carvings.

On the north side of the entrance to the Tang-Song Cliff Carvings of Buddhist Statues stands a stone tablet inscribed with the six large characters “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” It was written and erected on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (Buddha’s Birthday) in 1596 AD by the devout believer Xia Lü. Eight meters in front of the Tang-Song Cliff Carvings is the original site of the Heavenly King Hall. Eight meters south of the original site are stone steps. Descending the steps, you’ll find the four bold characters “He Shan Dai Li” (The Rivers and Mountains Like a Belt and Whetstone), written powerfully by Zhou Tao in the eighth month (lunar) of the 18th year of the Daoguang era. It describes the breathtaking view from Yunlong Mountain—where one can gaze upon “the Yellow River as a belt and Mount Tai as a whetstone.” Today, standing here, you can see the sky bridge, Heavenly King Hall, and mountain gate of Xinghua Temple, all currently under construction.

Xinghua Temple also has a southern courtyard. The southern courtyard serves as lodging and meditation quarters for the abbot and monks. It consists of three courtyards with a total of 42 rooms, including the Scripture Depository, Ancestral Hall, Dharma Hall, Abbot’s Room, Practice Hall, Tea Room, Dining Hall, Storage Room, and monks’ quarters—collectively referred to as the Monastic Courtyard.

The Monastic Courtyard was initially built during the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty by the eminent monk Wengan with the support of devotees. Designed exquisitely and elegantly, it has been maintained and renovated by generations of monks, preserving much of its original charm. The courtyard features winding paths and corridors, serene and profound. Doorways are inscribed with characters such as “Deer Park,” “Radiance,” “Bright Illumination,” and “Vulture Peak,” all written with powerful strokes and a carefree style, evoking a sense of refined tranquility.

In front of the Dharma Hall in the courtyard stands a red-painted pillar with a famous couplet: “Sitting on a broken meditation mat, one penetrates the gate of Zen, reflecting the moon in the pond; Leaping with a soaring staff, one cleanses the sea of desire, making lotuses bloom from the alms bowl.” This couplet depicts the wondrous realm of monks who attain enlightenment through sincere practice here.

To the west of the courtyard lies a small scenic spot called “Another World.” It consists of a “bamboo grove,” “hidden realm,” “small hut,” “garden,” and “pond,” serving as a place for monks to stroll after meditation. On the northern end of the “bamboo grove,” a cliff is inscribed with the two characters “Hidden Realm” by Pengcheng’s Yang Sizhi in the summer of 1753 (18th year of Qianlong). There is also the character “Hidden Realm” written by the famous Chinese calligrapher Li Yimang in 1980 (year of Gengshen), embedded along the path through the bamboo grove. On the eastern cliff of the “Hidden Realm,” there is also a poem by Yang Sizhi from the Qing Dynasty, composed in the early autumn of 1753 for Master Zhenzhen: “The hidden realm was originally the primordial heaven; here, fate connects with true immortals. Where in heaven can one find the secrets of Zen? The endless meaning lies in flowers and birds.” This also illustrates the unique charm of this small scenic spot.

In front of the bamboo grove is the “Hidden Realm Hut.” During the Cultural Revolution, Xu Zhou’s Party Secretary Wang Bingshi once took refuge here. It now serves as the office of the Xuzhou Buddhist Association.

Since its establishment, Xinghua Temple has undergone several renovations and now features six courtyards. It houses structures such as the Mahavira Hall, Grand Buddha Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Mountain Gate, Three Saints Hall, Scripture Depository, Ancestral Hall, Dharma Hall, Abbot’s Quarters, Guest Hall, Dining Hall, Storage Room, and Monastic Residence. Entering the new century, under the leadership of Abbot Guoguang, the monastic community at Xinghua Temple has united in upholding the principles of patriotic and religious devotion, implementing the philosophy of “Humanistic Buddhism,” and continuously enhancing the temple’s development. Today, the temple has been completely refurbished—winding paths and corridors surround lush flowers and trees; every step reveals a serene and elegant scene; morning bells and evening drums ring out, and incense burning flourishes. Xinghua Temple has not only been designated as a Key Buddhist Temple in Jiangsu Province but also repeatedly honored as a “Five-Star” Religious Activity Venue in Xuzhou.

Address: Yunlong Mountain, Heping Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province