Baotuo Chan Temple

Baotuo Chan Temple

Baotuo Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Situated atop Zhaobao Mountain, it has a building area of 360 square meters and includes 27 monk quarters. The temple was constructed between 847 and 859 (during the Dazhong era of the Tang Dynasty), originally located in Purple Bamboo Grove on Meicen Mountain (now Mount Putuo). In 1557 (the 36th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty), it was moved to this location.

A major renovation took place in 1845 (the 25th year of the Daoguang reign), which included the construction of the Heavenly King Hall, Arhat Hall, and Yuantong Treasure Hall, as well as a bell tower and monk quarters. After more than a hundred years, the temple fell into severe disrepair. It was repaired in 1965 and the Yuantong Treasure Hall was restored in 1981.

The “Yuantong Treasure Hall,” also known as the Guanyin Hall (Guanyin Bodhisattva is said to have attained enlightenment through perfect penetration, hence also called the Perfect Penetration Bodhisattva). The current hall is 9.4 meters high and 19 meters long and wide. With red beams and cylindrical tiles, flying eaves, and carved highlights, the main hall houses a statue of Guanyin wearing a Vairocana crown, sculpted based on the characteristics of Tang Dynasty statues, known as the “Vairocana Guanyin.” The gilded statue sits on a lotus throne, with a male form and female features, kind eyes, and a benevolent expression. Statues of Shancai (Sudhana) and Dragon Girl stand on either side. Thirty-two manifestations of Guanyin are arranged along the sides of the hall, and another statue of Guanyin treading on a turtle-back fish is located on the back wall.

Religious activities resumed in 1985 when monks returned to the mountain to take over the temple property. The Vairocana Guanyin was recreated in the main hall, with the gilded statue seated on a lotus throne. The statue, including the base, stands 8 meters tall, with Shancai and Dragon Girl on either side. The thirty-two manifestations are placed along both sides of the hall. Each statue is uniquely crafted with fine details. Baotuo Chan Temple is a renowned ancient temple, often mentioned in poems by literati from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A poem by Ming Dynasty’s Wang Bing reads: “Overseas they speak of Potalaka, yet here too stands a temple; overseas monks host guests, while here monks tend their fields. One Buddha divides prosperity and decline, two mountains vie in lush greenery.” This alludes to the history of Baotuo Temple. Today, Baotuo Temple has once again become a sacred site for Buddhist devotees.

Address: Inside Weiyuan Fort at the Summit of Zhaobao Mountain, Zhenhai District, Ningbo City

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Zhaobao Mountain scenic area ticket.