Scripture Depository of Ruiyan Chan Temple

Scripture Depository of Ruiyan Chan Temple

The Scripture Depository of Ruiyan Chan Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Beilun District.

The Scripture Depository of Ruiyan Chan Temple is located at the southeastern foot of Jiufeng Mountain in Lingxia Village, Chaiqiao Subdistrict, Beilun District, Ningbo. According to the 1924 *Zhenhai County Annals*, it was built in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1906). Facing south with a slight westward orientation, it covers an area of 272 square meters, has a width of five bays, and is a two-story double-eave wooden structure with a flush gable roof. The middle and adjacent side bays have six inner columns and nine purlins along the longitudinal beam framework, using a five-rafter lifted-beam system; the outer bays of the side rooms and the inner bays of the end bays have nine columns and nine purlins, utilizing a post-and-lintel structure; the outer bays of the end rooms have seven columns and nine purlins, with symmetrical double steps set between the central column and the front and rear gold columns. The front porch features an ox-neck rafter coffered ceiling, and the front eave columns are adorned with bracket arms supporting the overhanging eave beams. To the southeast of the depository (inside the military gate) stands a stone stele inscribed with an imperial edict from the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905), and behind the depository is another stele recording the construction of the scripture depository from the 34th year of the Guangxu reign (1908). Ruiyan Chan Temple was originally established during the Tang Dynasty's Huichang era (841–846) and was once a renowned temple in eastern Zhejiang. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, it experienced multiple periods of rise and decline. In the 30th year of the Guangxu reign (1904), it gained fame after receiving an imperial-bestowed collection of Buddhist scriptures, but today only the scripture depository remains. This depository is the only surviving ancient Buddhist architectural structure in Beilun District. It features large-scale materials, exquisite craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and is well-preserved, holding significant historical, artistic, and scientific value.

Lingxia Village: Lingxia Village is located about six kilometers southwest of Chaiqiao Subdistrict, Beilun District, Ningbo. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it lies west of Ruiyan Temple Forest Park and Ruiyan Temple Reservoir, southwest of Lion Ridge leading to Chunxiao Town, south of Da’ao Mountain at an elevation of 544 meters and Artillery Platform Ridge, and east of Ximen Mountain. Covering a total area of approximately 4.5 square kilometers, it serves as the entrance to the Ruiyan scenic area within the Jiufeng Mountain tourism zone.

The village consists of 10 villager groups with a population of 2,367. It has a Party branch comprising 4 party groups and a total of 80 Party members. The village spans 4.5 square kilometers in total area, with 935 mu of arable land and forested land... More details about Lingxia Village++