Bao Hu Rock

Bao Hu Rock

Bao Hu Rock

Yingdu has a long history, beautiful mountains and rivers, a spiritually rich land, and many scenic spots and historical sites. In ancient times, it was known for the grandeur of Seven Rocks and Eight Temples. A previous poet composed a verse using the Seven Rocks: “At night on Weng Mountain, the sound of dripping water is heard; by the ancient rock stands the Lion Pavilion. Clouds drift from the ancient chamber where stone Buddha resides; when water flows into the lake, the turbid becomes clear.” The Seven Rocks mentioned in the poem are, in order, Ying Shan Rock, Dripping Water Rock, Ancient Site Rock, Lion Rock, Cloud From Ancient Chamber, Stone Buddha Rock, and Lake Inside Rock. Due to the passage of time and changes over the years, only two of the Seven Rocks remain today: Cloud From Ancient Chamber and Bao Hu Rock.

Originally named Lake Inside Rock, Bao Hu Rock is located at the southern foot of Longhu Mountain in Yunlin Village, Yingdu, facing south and backing north. It sits in the direction of Ding Mountain and Kui Orientation, with an additional orientation toward Wu and Zi, and the land is designated as “The True Man Sitting in Meditation.” The cave enshrines Buddha statues such as Sakyamuni and Patriarch Bodhi. Situated high in the mountains, standing at the front of the cave offers a sweeping panoramic view, creating a breathtaking scene described as “lifting one’s head to take in a thousand peaks, turning around to see all things before the cave.” Behind the cave, lush green mountains and thriving trees create a serene painting of “a hidden ancient temple in the deep mountains,” truly embodying the phrase “a secluded mountain shrine hides a celestial pavilion, while a murmuring stream accompanies Buddhist chants.”

Lake Inside Rock was first built in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties but was later abandoned. Records in the "Ming Hongzhi, Ming Chongzhen, and Qing Kangxi editions" all mention this. Legend has it that after the cave was abandoned, villagers moved the Buddha statues into a nearby stone cave. During the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, a villager named Hong Longzhang went up the mountain to chop wood and took shelter from the rain in the stone cave. Reflecting on his family’s poverty and the homeless Buddha statues, he made a vow in front of the Buddha: if he ever went out to seek his fortune and became successful, he would rebuild Lake Inside Rock. He made this promise. Later, he first did small business in Tong’an and then moved on to Shanghai. Thanks to diligence, good management, and the blessing of the Buddhas, he managed to save a considerable amount of money, and his family’s wealth gradually grew. Before long, he returned home wealthy. Aside from building three large traditional Chinese houses in Wushi, Yunlin Village, he also fulfilled his vow to rebuild Lake Inside Rock, renaming it Bao Hu Rock. In the 14th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1834), Liu Shu, the magistrate of Anxi County, personally inscribed the plaque “Bao Hu Ancient Site,” which is still preserved inside the cave. The original couplet reads: “The precious hall resembles the Mahavira Hall, for here there is nothing but Buddha; the lake source connects to Shanghai, for in between lies the immortal realm,” commemorating this extraordinary tale.

The rebuilt Bao Hu Rock features a main hall, side halls, and wing rooms, originally constructed with a stone and wood structure. Its architecture is uniquely characterized by double-pillar beads, double-pillar brackets, and the ingenious design of one beam spanning three gates. Legend has it that during a crucial phase, a new pillar bead was added to the original site on the original pillar beads, and for symmetry, double-pillar brackets were used on the pillars. However, over more than 160 years, the cave fell into disrepair due to the ravages of time and weather. To preserve this historical site, in the spring of 1995, a preparatory committee led by Hong Shuncheng, Hong Mingzong, and Hong Shuangxi was established. Devotees generously contributed funds, and construction commenced in the same year under an auspicious date. The main hall was renovated, a rear hall was added, along with the Nierle Hall and Heavenly King Hall, along with supporting facilities. Statues of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin, Sixteen Arhats, and the Four Heavenly Kings were erected. The project cost 4.1 million RMB, and the consecration ceremony was held in the first month of 2004.

After renovation, Bao Hu Rock features soaring dragon ridges, glistening gold and brilliant colors, with a grand and magnificent scale. It retains its original appearance while showcasing a renewed charm. The golden statues of the great Buddhas have been recast, and a new three-kilometer-long mountain road has been built, leading directly to the base of the cave. Additional features such as courtyards, mountain gates, ponds, and pavilions have been added. The winding “Dragon Palace Cave” and other attractions such as the Guardian Fort, Tiger Roar Gully, Resting Stone, and several other scenic spots [including True Man Sitting in Meditation, Yellow Dragon Bestowing Water, Dragon Palace Cave Heaven, Immortals Playing Chess,

Four-Layered Unique Rocks, Maple Forest Sunset, Flowing Sunset Springs, Bamboo Sea Listening to Waves, Tiger Roar at Dragon Lake, and the Imperial Tomb] have been developed, forming the Ten Scenic Spots of Bao Hu. It has become an outstanding tourist destination in Yingdu, described as “a pristine site of tranquil cultivation, a paradise of ten competing wonders.”

Bao Hu Ancient Site, now reborn, serves as both a sacred site for meditation and Buddha worship, and a stunning destination for sightseeing.