Yongnian Anren Temple

Yongnian Anren Temple

Yongnian Anren Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Anren Temple is located in Santai Village, Xisu Township, Yongnian County. The village is named after the three Buddhist pagodas within the temple. The temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty, and Emperor Li Shimin once took refuge here. It was once a renowned ten-direction monastery in southern Hebei. Historically, it was originally named Hongfu Temple. By the Ming Dynasty, due to a noble dispute in Santai Village, the temple’s elders mediated the conflict, turning hostility into peace, bringing joy to the people. The temple was then renamed Anren Temple, meaning “to pacify and bring harmony, ensuring peace and prosperity.” It underwent two major renovations in the 28th year of the Guangxu reign and the 18th year of the Republic of China.

The original temple complex consisted of eight meticulously arranged and magnificent structures: the mountain gate, bell tower, front, middle, and rear halls, scripture depository, east and west wing rooms, and a rear garden. The temple housed three bronze statues, each nine feet tall, as well as more than forty exquisitely crafted and solemn statues of bodhisattvas and arhats. In front of the temple stood three ancient pagodas, over ten feet high, adorned with thousands of Buddhist images. Although the pagodas have been destroyed, their finials are still preserved within the temple. In 1993, with approval from relevant government authorities, reconstruction of Anren Temple began, and devout followers generously contributed to the effort. The current structures include the Vairocana Hall, Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, mountain gate, bell and drum towers, scripture depository, abbot’s quarters, meditation hall, lecture hall, guest hall, and east and west wing rooms.

Transportation Guide

Address: Santai Village, Xisu Township, Yongnian County, Handan City, Hebei Province

Getting There: Take a bus from Yongnian County bound for Xisu, then transfer to a minibus to Santai Village.