Shahe Fenglan Temple

Shahe Fenglan Temple

Shahe Fenglan Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by Xingtai City.

Fenglan Temple is located to the west of Baimiao Village, Cejing Township, Shahe City, at the foot of Da’an Mountain. Historically described as a “sacred cliff paradise surrounded by mountains on three sides, embraced by two rivers, with perilous ridges and graceful peaks, bathed in rosy clouds and radiant mists,” it has long been a popular destination for worship and sightseeing. Since its establishment during the Song Dynasty, it has a history of over a thousand years. It has not only left us rich cultural relics, such as more than ten ancient stone steles, an ancient lotus pond, the ruins of the main hall, the “Diagonal Three-Arch Bridge,” the “Eight-Step Three-Well,” the monks’ pagoda forest, the Nine Dragons Temple, and the Bodhisattva Hall, but also a profound cultural legacy.

According to historical records, there were temples at the foot of Da’an Mountain before the Song Dynasty, though their exact construction dates are unknown. In the early Xiangfu era of the Song Dynasty (1008 AD), after the state ceremony of ascending the altar was completed, the temple was granted the name Fenglan. In the second year of the Kangding era (1040 AD), Fenglan Temple was renovated, and a stone stele was erected, providing detailed accounts of the temple’s origins, scale, and abbots. In the fourth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1577 AD), the temple’s Buddha halls were renovated. In the 24th year of the Wanli era (1597 AD), the lotus pond was excavated, and a moon bridge was built. During the Qing Dynasty, under the reigns of Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Guangxu, the temple underwent several expansions and additions. At its peak, Fenglan Temple comprised four major architectural complexes: On the southern bank of the river, there were upper and lower hall complexes. The upper main hall faced east and was primarily dedicated to the Grand Mercy Pavilion, which was grand and majestic, with pillars encircling its interior. The hall housed a twenty-four-armed wooden Buddha statue. In front of the hall were the Four Heavenly Kings Halls and the Ordination Platform, arranged in sequence. At the entrance stood a bell tower housing a large bell whose sound could be heard over twenty li away. The lower main hall faced south and was towering and magnificent. Inside, the golden image of the Buddha shone brilliantly, with a kind expression, while attendant deities appeared serene and divine. In front of the hall were sequentially arranged a stele forest, lotus pond, moon bridge, and Heavenly Kings Hall. Outside were structures such as the Dragon King Temple, theater stage, meditation rooms, and living quarters. On the northern bank of the river, there were two architectural complexes: a nunnery divided into upper and lower courtyards, along with meditation rooms. To the west of the nunnery was another hall courtyard.

Since the Song Dynasty, the temple gained widespread fame across the country due to Empress Cao’s imperial decree to offer incense here. Pilgrims and those seeking Buddhist wisdom “flocked here from all directions like clouds and streams.” People came from Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan provinces to pay their respects. On major festivals, the number of visitors often exceeded a thousand. The surrounding area included eateries, wine shops, inns, and rural lodgings. Especially lively were the temple fairs held in spring and autumn, attracting large crowds. Business was thriving: the markets were bustling with activity, goods were abundant, and people could enjoy local delicacies. It was an experience rarely available elsewhere. Dishes such as Shahe roast chicken, fried liver, stewed tofu, Eight Treasures, and stewed pork were all very famous, and the craftsmanship was not commonly found even in larger cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Baoding, or Shijiazhuang. In the surrounding areas of the temple, one could also find traditional folk performances such as ballad singing, storytelling, and drum recitals. That’s why Fenglan Temple was once a significant religious and cultural hub, and many of these folk customs continue to this day in the region.

Scenic Area Address: West of Baimiao Village, Cejing Township, Shahe City, Xingtai, Hebei Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Xingtai or Shahe heading to Chaiguan. Get off at Wulibei just before reaching Chaiguan, then transfer to a minibus to Baimiao Village.