Cixian Tayuan Temple

Cixian Tayuan Temple

Cixian Tayuan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Cizhou Tayuan Temple, also known as "White Pagoda Temple," is located in Baita Village, ten kilometers northeast of Cixian County, Hebei Province. It borders Shandong to the east and Henan to the south, enjoying excellent feng shui and surrounded by unique scenery. Historical records indicate that Tayuan Temple was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, making it one of the earliest, largest, and most magnificent ancient temples on the plains of China. In the 11th year of the Yongping era of the Eastern Han, Emperor Ming of Han invited eminent monks Kasyapa Matanga and Dharmaratna from the Western Regions to build the White Horse Temple in the capital Luoyang. When traveling to Mount Wutai via Shilibai Pagoda Market, the high monk recognized the sacredness of the land with his discerning eyes. He reported the feng shui of "Shili Bai Ta Ji" in the northeast of Cizhou to Emperor Ming of Han, and a temple was constructed here.

Tayuan Temple has experienced several rises and declines, undergoing three major waves of temple construction. Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty personally visited Tayuan Temple to worship and allocated 300,000 taels of silver to support the temple’s incense offerings. During the reign of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Yang Jian, a grand hall dedicated to the Bodhisattva Manjushri was built at Tayuan Temple, greatly enhancing its reputation. By the ninth year of the Zhenguan era in the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Taizong, the temple flourished immensely, housing over a hundred monks and ten main halls, covering an actual area of 130 mu. During Empress Wu Zetian’s rule, a nationwide reconstruction of temples took place, including Tayuan Temple. When Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty, Temür, traveled south to the White Horse Temple, he stopped at this temple to worship and stayed overnight. During the Qing Dynasty, in the Kangxi and Qianlong eras, the emperors would order their close teachers to visit Baita Temple to offer incense and worship every three to five years when they made pilgrimages to Mount Wutai. It is said that Emperor Qianlong ate Cizhou steamed buns and drank water from the temple’s Baibao Spring.

The Baibao Spring is one of the great wonders of Tayuan Temple. The spring water contains various minerals, and it is said that drinking it can cure illnesses. Emperors throughout history who came to the temple to worship and drink the water all sang its praises. During the Liberation War, when the Liu-Deng Army marched south and passed through the area, they faced a shortage of water. The only abundant and unfailing source was the Baibao Spring well of the temple. Soldiers traveled more than 20 li to fetch water from here, which helped our army achieve victory in the Battle of Pinghan. To this day, local residents still come to the temple to collect water. Emperors throughout history who worshipped at the temple and drank from the spring all gave it high praise. It is said that Emperor Liu Xiu of the Han, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang, Emperor Renzong of the Song, Emperor Yingzong of the Yuan, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming, and Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing all drank from the Baibao Spring well of the temple.

Over the long passage of time and numerous changes, it became difficult for this thousand-year-old temple to endure. Today, in the era of reform and opening up and the revival of religious faith, promoting Buddhism is the aspiration of monastic and lay followers alike. In 2001, under the leadership of Master Zhengchuan, monastic and lay followers, along with some devotees, worked tirelessly for two months and rebuilt the ancient temple on its original site, allowing the thousand-year-old sacred site to rise again. To date, the temple has successively constructed: the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Dizang Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and a guest reception office over the span of more than ten years. In 2008, an additional investment of over 200,000 yuan led to the construction of the Yanshou Hall and the Ancient Buddha and Sangharama Hall. These two halls cover an area of 310 square meters, featuring a well-planned overall layout and exquisitely designed interiors and exteriors, adding another splendid attraction to the temple.