Shicheng Xizhu Temple

Shicheng Xizhu Temple

Shicheng Xizhu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xizhu Temple is located atop Xihua Mountain, about two kilometers west of the city. It was first built in the 47th year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty (1619). Xihua Mountain, also known as Wushi Ridge, stretches approximately five kilometers around, dotted with secluded springs and peculiar rocks. The area is often shrouded in clouds and mist, and in ancient times, ancient pines towered above, creating a spectacular scene. One of the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Qin River,” known as “Pine Clouds over Black Ridge,” was located here. Although the ancient trees no longer exist, lush new pines remain, preserving the grandeur. Today, a TV transmission station has been built on the mountaintop, adding to the scenery. The main peak of Xihua Mountain stands at an elevation of 573 meters. “When you climb and look out, the refreshing air fills the city, the surrounding mountains resemble snails, and the flow of the great river is as clear as a piece of silk. Whenever clouds rise, they envelop everything from the foot to the summit.” (From the Shicheng County Annals compiled in the 4th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty) Looking into the distance, one can fully appreciate the origin of the county’s name — “the county is surrounded by mountains, many of which are rocky and stand tall like a city wall.” At the southern foot of Xihua Mountain, Wulongyan features one of the renowned “Eight Scenic Spots of Qin River” — the “Wulongyan Waterfall.” The waterfall on the cliff plunges several zhang high, scattering blossoms and splashing water with a thunderous roar. The waterfall flows year-round and feeds into a pool below, whose depth is unfathomable. The Qing-era county annals record: “There is a hidden opening at the bottom of the pool that secretly connects to Chijiangtan on the western side of the city.” They also state: “During the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, locals saw five elderly men with bushy eyebrows laughing and talking in the cave, but when they searched, there was no trace of them—only five dragons playing in the pool. The frightened locals ran away, and soon after, strong winds and heavy rain followed, hence the name.” Chen Yixin, a Qing-era imperial scholar, described it as: “Wild crabapple blooms delicately dot the serene cliffs, sheer precipices mist down like jade dragons. Clouds hang inverted like curtains in motion, moon shadows imprint low on crystal-like floats. Startling showers come and go in haste, hidden dragons roar unceasing from the gully. At dusk, the mountain mist seems to drip, a cool clarity spreads over the cold hills.” Wulongyan also boasts numerous ancient stone inscriptions. For example, Chen Xiaorong, a Song-era military officer and commander of thecuifeng Army under the Hall Front Command, inscribed the five large characters “Qingsheng Wulongyan” (Pure and Majestic Wulongyan); Zhao Dongzhi, a county magistrate of the Southern Song, inscribed: “I stop my horse, tread grass shoes amid ancient moss along the path into the cave. Springs spout all year round without winter snow, the pool roars eternally like unceasing thunder. Nature erects a mountain screen, sealing off creation; the innate stone cover separates dust from this place. Who knows how much of the dragon palace’s water drips down to become rain on earth?” Yuan-era poet Li Kejia from Fengcheng also left inscriptions. Originally named “Xizhu Nunnery,” the temple was historically mostly inhabited by nuns. Its main hall, the “Mahavira Hall,” features the architectural style of a phoenix hall. On the mountainside of Xihua Mountain, another temple was built into the rock, called “Xihua Nunnery,” serving as an auxiliary temple to Xizhu Temple. Xihua Mountain attracts pilgrims and tourists all year round.

Ganzhou Xizhu Temple

Xihua Mountain, Shicheng County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province