Mingguo Temple

Mingguo Temple

Mingguo Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Mingguo Temple was first built in 684 AD, during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. The Republican-era *Qv County Annals* recorded: “The *Khan County Annals* from the Kangxi era state that it lies seventy li from the county, nestled among spiritually elegant mountains and meandering streams. In front stands Bowl Mountain, whose shape closely resembles a bowl. The temple site is the most ancient — Empress Wu Zetian herself inscribed its plaque. There is also Bai Juyi’s record of the Dharma Transmission Hall. The temple was the practice site of the Tang Dynasty’s Great Enlightened Zen Master, housing his lacquered cloth relics as well as the Yuanhe Zhenzhen Pagoda, with an inscription by Yang Guangbi. Today, the temple is in ruins, with only one bell remaining. The *Khan County Annals* from the Jiaqing era noted: In the sixth year of the Shunzhi era, Monk Xingshan came to Qv and established a hermitage here. In the fiftieth year of the Kangxi era, Monk Shuzan built the main hall. In the second year of the Yongzheng era, Monk Yongnian constructed the Kṣitigarbha Hall and Huilong Hermitage. In the twenty-eighth year of the Qianlong era, Monk Huiyuan rebuilt the main hall and the Guanyin Pavilion. In the forty-fourth year of Qianlong, Monk Ziban built the lecture hall and abbot’s quarters. In the fourth year of the Jiaqing era, Monk Daode renovated the Guanyin Pavilion and built the mountain gate. The temple flourished once again. Its incense offerings were as thriving as those of Jiuhua. Though now dilapidated, benevolent individuals still wish to donate for its restoration. It is a pity, however, that there is no capable monk to properly manage it.”