Home › Tourist Attractions › Putian Shishiyan (Stone Chamber Rock)

Putian Shishiyan (Stone Chamber Rock)

Category: Tourist Attractions 👁 100 views

Introduction to Shishiyan: On the mountainside in the western suburbs of Putian city, there are numerous sea-eroded caves where Neolithic relics have been unearthed. These sites were once dwelling places of ancient people, hence the name "Stone Chamber Rock." In the late Tang Dynasty, the eminent monk Miaoying founded a Buddhist practice site here. Legend has it that he tamed two tigers to ride, which is why the site is also known as "Tiger-Taming Rock." During the Shaosheng era of the Song Dynasty, a temple was first built on the rock, and Emperor Zhezong of Song bestowed upon it the name "Miaoying Temple." In the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty, the temple fell into disrepair but was later rebuilt by Chen Jingbang, a native of Putian and Minister of Rites during the Wanli era, who also used the site to educate his children. Subsequently, the Xuan Di Hall, Da Shi Shrine, Eight Immortals Shrine, and Miaoying Hall were successively constructed, making the rock a unique site where Buddhism and Taoism coexisted in Licheng. Often, wisps of smoke drift around the mountainside, creating a hazy and mystical atmosphere—"Stone Chamber Veiled in Mist" is one of Putian’s Twenty-Four Scenic Spots. Over the following centuries, the site underwent multiple renovations and expansions. In 1942, the "Lingyun Bie Dian" (Cloud-Reaching Side Hall) was relocated and built, forming the current layout. During the turbulent years of the Cultural Revolution, this sacred place fell into decline. Monk Dashan remained steadfast at Shishiyan, preserving the sacred site for over forty years. After the restoration of order, thanks to generous support from patrons, Shishiyan was revitalized. Today, with the expansion of Licheng and the construction of roads leading up the mountain, transportation has greatly improved. The palaces and pavilions on the rock are elegantly arranged, gleaming with golden hues, nestled among ancient woods and cliffs. They complement historic sites such as Miaoying’s meditation spots—Haiyin Cave and Longshe Cave—the cliff inscription “Tiger-Taming Rock” by Song Fang Zuoyue, and the base of a seven-story square brick pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty—creating a picturesque destination for visitors to explore and admire.

Overview Transport Tickets Specialties

Introduction to Shishiyan: On the mountainside in the western suburbs of Putian city, there are numerous sea-eroded caves where Neolithic relics have been unearthed. These sites were once dwelling places of ancient people, hence the name "Stone Chamber Rock." In the late Tang Dynasty, the eminent monk Miaoying founded a Buddhist practice site here. Legend has it that he tamed two tigers to ride, which is why the site is also known as "Tiger-Taming Rock." During the Shaosheng era of the Song Dynasty, a temple was first built on the rock, and Emperor Zhezong of Song bestowed upon it the name "Miaoying Temple." In the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty, the temple fell into disrepair but was later rebuilt by Chen Jingbang, a native of Putian and Minister of Rites during the Wanli era, who also used the site to educate his children. Subsequently, the Xuan Di Hall, Da Shi Shrine, Eight Immortals Shrine, and Miaoying Hall were successively constructed, making the rock a unique site where Buddhism and Taoism coexisted in Licheng. Often, wisps of smoke drift around the mountainside, creating a hazy and mystical atmosphere—"Stone Chamber Veiled in Mist" is one of Putian’s Twenty-Four Scenic Spots. Over the following centuries, the site underwent multiple renovations and expansions. In 1942, the "Lingyun Bie Dian" (Cloud-Reaching Side Hall) was relocated and built, forming the current layout. During the turbulent years of the Cultural Revolution, this sacred place fell into decline. Monk Dashan remained steadfast at Shishiyan, preserving the sacred site for over forty years. After the restoration of order, thanks to generous support from patrons, Shishiyan was revitalized. Today, with the expansion of Licheng and the construction of roads leading up the mountain, transportation has greatly improved. The palaces and pavilions on the rock are elegantly arranged, gleaming with golden hues, nestled among ancient woods and cliffs. They complement historic sites such as Miaoying’s meditation spots—Haiyin Cave and Longshe Cave—the cliff inscription “Tiger-Taming Rock” by Song Fang Zuoyue, and the base of a seven-story square brick pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty—creating a picturesque destination for visitors to explore and admire.

Fujian Province, Putian City