Taiji Rock Scenic Area

Taiji Rock Scenic Area

The Taiji Rock Scenic Area is located 2 kilometers northwest of Erdu Town in Yihuang County. It covers a total area of 12.6 square kilometers and features a rare danxia landform in China. A single mountain stands tall here with a natural arch stretching from north to south, spanning over 40 meters in diameter. The eastern wall is about 15 meters high, while the western wall rises over 40 meters, resembling a grand stone bridge stretching east to west. This forms a semi-circular two-tiered rock arch that looks like a Taiji diagram, hence the name “Taiji Rock,” which has remained unchanged for a thousand years. Two stone seals are engraved on the rock: one reads “Ma Zu’s Dharma Cave,” and the other “Baizhang’s Monastic Rules.” The Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake described it as: “Stretching east to west, it resembles a flying bridge across the sky, both taller and larger than the stone bridge at Guixi.” Beneath the arch sits a temple, surrounded by eighteen uniquely shaped peaks, giving rise to the saying “Eighteen Arhats Worshipping the Buddha.” The scenic area is divided into three parts: a water recreation area centered around Carp Lake; a Buddhist site centered around Shigong Temple; and a natural scenic area centered around Taiji Rock. In addition, there are attractions such as Bells and Drums Ringing in Harmony, Iron Ox Grinding Grain, Twin Frogs Emerging from the Earth, and Golden Bell Covering the Turtle.

Beneath Taiji Rock lies an ancient temple with a history of a thousand years—Shigong Temple. Built during the reign of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty (756–761 AD), it was founded by Master Mazu, revered in Buddhism as the “Eighth Patriarch.” The temple derives its name, “Shigong Temple,” from its location beneath the Taiji Rock arch, and is also known as “Mazu’s First Dharma Site.” It was bestowed the title “Shigong Yiquan Temple” by Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty. Having endured numerous dynasties, the ancient temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It was ruined during the Later Tang period, but was reconstructed in the second year of the Yuanyou era of the Song Dynasty (1087 AD). In 1934, troops under Sun Lianzhong demolished more than 40 rooms of the lower hall to build bunkers during their campaign against the Red Army. In 1966, the temple’s second hall was torn down, the Buddha statues were destroyed, and the site was repurposed as an agricultural middle school. Reconstruction began in 1985, restoring normal Buddhist activities. Starting in 2000, relevant government departments funded the construction of scenic walkways, guardrails, and other infrastructure. The temple is now open to the public.