Qingyang Tianchi Temple

Qingyang Tianchi Temple

Tianchi Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Tianchi Temple, also known as Tianchi Hermitage, was first built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty as one of the East Wing lodging quarters of Huacheng Temple. It became an independent nunnery during the Tongzhi era and is currently a Buddhist convent located at the western foot of the East Cliff, near the Taibai Study Hall. It is a key temple in Anhui Province. The temple derives its name from a natural spring that flows from a crack in the rock; a stone pool was carved beneath it and named "Tianchi" (Heavenly Pool), hence the name of the temple (or hermitage). It is said that the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha once practiced and meditated here and drank from the sacred waters of the pool. The pool is square-shaped, 1.5 meters wide and 1.4 meters deep. It never dries up in drought nor overflows in heavy rain. The water is crystal clear, sweet, and refreshing—considered high-quality mineral water. Legend has it that Li Bai used this fine spring water to brew fine wine to entertain his poet friends, and often became heavily intoxicated himself.

Tianchi Hermitage still existed during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty but was destroyed during the Xianfeng era due to warfare. It was rebuilt during the Tongzhi era through donations raised by Monk Zangshuang. Later, it suffered a fire and was reconstructed by the then-abbot, Monk Zhanxiu. In 1925, the abbot was Monk Xinding. From 1928 to 1938, the abbot was Monk Miaoching. In 1949, the abbot was Monk Linglai. Between 1966 and 1976, the Buddha statues were destroyed and no monks resided there. The temple adopted a residential-style architecture, with two floors and eight bays, covering a construction area of 1,256 square meters. In 1987, a fire broke out and the southern part of the temple was completely burned down, leaving only parts of the northern section. The Buddhist Association of Mount Jiuhua and the Administrative Office of Mount Jiuhua decided to invite Monk Yucang to take charge and allocated 30,000 yuan. His disciple, Dichen, rebuilt a two-story, four-and-a-half bay structure on the ruins of the southern hall, facing west, with a construction area of 400 square meters. The front hall is the Ksitigarbha Hall, and the rear hall enshrines the Three Saints of the West. In 1989, Monk Yucang moved here from Lian Hermitage.

In 1996, Monk Yucang went to Guanyin Pavilion in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, and passed away in the first month of 1998. In 1998, the abbot Monk Dichen transformed the rear hall into a three-story building, facing east. The upper floor is the Mahavira Hall, the middle floor accommodates guest rooms, and the ground floor serves as the dining hall. The main hall features a residential architectural style with a sloped roof and horse-head walls, standing 10 meters tall and covering 292 square meters. The western hall’s ground floor is the Ksitigarbha Hall, with a plaque reading “Tianchi Temple.” In 1991, the abbess Monk Disheseng demolished the old buildings north of Tianchi Hermitage and rebuilt the Weituo Hall facing east. It has a residential style, two stories, and covers 224 square meters. Between 1994 and 1995, the main hall was rebuilt behind the Weituo Hall, also facing east and toward the cement road. It is a two-story residential structure made of brick and wood, with gray-tiled roofs. It covers 280 square meters. The ground floor is the Mahavira Hall, and the upper floor is the Ksitigarbha Hall. The plaque reads “Ancient Tianchi Hermitage.”

The ancient Tianchi Temple is very small, housing only a Mahavira Hall where the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is enshrined in the center. In front of Tianchi Temple (Hermitage) lies a lotus pond of about 100 square meters. Visitors can admire the lotus flowers in a serene and peaceful setting, finding tranquility amid the busyness. Stepping past the small hermitage, the little pond remains, with lotus shoots gently brushing the water surface—it's easy to imagine how the golden blooms would be in full glory in midsummer. By the water’s edge, contemplating the lotus and seeking enlightenment, one finds nothing but purity. Passing by Tianchi Hermitage, you’ll find an ancient well under a towering tree, known as the “Taibai Well,” which is said to have been where Li Bai drew water when he visited Mount Jiuhua.

The Buddha statues inside the hermitage are not particularly remarkable, but the walls are entirely covered with hand-painted “manifestations of Guanyin,” which are truly eye-opening. The paintings of Guanyin are the work of some masterful, anonymous artist—all are finely inked line drawings protected by glass frames. There are 88 in total, each about the size of a normal window, lined up in rows that cover both side walls of the main hall, creating an awe-inspiring sight. As “manifestations” of the Bodhisattva, they appear in various forms—male or female, young or old—with diverse postures, garments, and expressions. Those unfamiliar with Buddhism may simply marvel at the beauty of the artistry, but for ordained nuns, these images evoke deep reverence for the Bodhisattva’s inconceivable and miraculous spiritual transformations.

Heading south from “Tianchi Hermitage” and ascending a small flight of steps will bring you to the East Cliff Square. This square is exquisitely designed, combining square and circular elements, with four exits and a central fountain surrounded by a semi-encircling open channel. The surrounding area is densely packed with houses, forming a seamless blend of temples, residences, hotels, and shops. To the east of the square lies Lian Hermitage, a key temple in Anhui Province, where the Buddhist Association is headquartered. The wall of Lian Hermitage is yellow, as is that of Tianchi Hermitage. Some temple walls are white—what’s the significance of temple colors? Most temples on Mount Jiuhua feature the traditional architecture of southern Anhui, characterized by white walls and brown tiles. Since yellow symbolizes luck and solemnity, some temples are now painted yellow to distinguish them from regular residences.