Lincheng Yuntong Temple

Lincheng Yuntong Temple

Yuntong Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yuntong Temple is situated in the shallow mountainous area at the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains, in Beipanshi Village, southeast of Lincheng County, Hebei Province. It is located within Fengleyuan, a national 2A-level eco-tourism zone managed by the Xingtai City Transportation Bureau. Behind the temple, distant mountains compete in beauty with their rolling ridges, while in front, the Qianshui River flows gently to the east. The surrounding area is filled with fruit trees and lush forests, and the temple’s red walls and golden rooftops appear like a mirage rising above the emerald sea. Being in the temple, one enjoys the caress of the breeze and the shade of greenery, watches the leisurely drifting clouds, listens to the murmuring mountain springs, and breathes in the fragrant air, which naturally inspires thoughts of transcending the mundane world.

Originally named Tongguo Temple, Yuntong Temple was first built in the 13th year of the Kaiyuan era during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, according to the Lincheng County Annals, making it over 1,200 years old. It was abolished during the Huichang Persecution of Buddhism in the late Tang Dynasty under Emperor Wuzong. The temple was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Chenghua era of Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty and renovated again in the 25th year of the Wanli era of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty. At one point, it housed many monks and enjoyed flourishing incense offerings. However, it suffered repeated natural disasters and wars, falling into disrepair multiple times until it was eventually buried by the dust of history.

In the late 1990s of the 20th century, a high monk traveled through Lincheng and, passing by Panshi Ridge, suddenly noticed auspicious lights and a divine aura about a li to the north of the road. He stopped to observe and sensed that although the area had no towering peaks or deep valleys, its mountain ranges and water flow gathered energy subtly — an ideal location for building a temple. He suspected that a Buddhist monastery might have existed there historically. Later, with approval from Buddhist management authorities, a new temple was constructed near the site of the former Tongguo Temple in a monk-built, monk-resided, and monk-managed manner, and was renamed Yuntong Temple by the high monk. By then, the Fengle Agricultural and Forestry Development Co., Ltd. under the Highway Division of the Xingtai City Transportation Bureau had already developed the surrounding mountainous land, transforming barren terrain into a lush, fruit-bearing mountain. In response to the requests of local Buddhist devotees and the need to develop tourism resources, the forested temple site was offered for rebuilding the temple.

With strong support from patrons, Buddhist disciples, and all sectors of society, Yuntong Temple broke ground in May 2006. It was meticulously planned and led by Venerable Jinghui, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and President of the Hebei Buddhist Association. Built in the architectural style of Ming Dynasty temples, the construction took one year and four months, completing in October 2007. On the 29th of that month (the 19th day of the 9th lunar month in 2007), under the auspices of Venerable Jinghui, the abbot residing in the temple, a grand inauguration ceremony for Yuntong Temple and a Buddha statue consecration ceremony were held.

Covering an area of 20,000 square meters with a built-up area of over 5,000 square meters, the temple faces south and follows the traditional layout of Han Chinese Buddhist monasteries. The central axis features the main structures, flanked symmetrically by balanced buildings. The temple halls stand on a mid-level hillside platform. Visitors walk along a stone bridge past a lotus pond and a liberation pond, ascend steps for about ten meters, and are greeted by the solemn and spacious mountain gate.

The mountain gate and the Heavenly King Hall are integrated. Stepping through the mountain gate leads directly into the Heavenly King Hall. Beyond it lies the main hall courtyard, with the Bell Tower to the east and the Drum Tower to the west, symmetrically positioned. Rows of side halls and chambers stand on both sides. The majestic Mahavira Hall, built on the central high platform, rises powerfully from the earth, exuding a grand and magnificent atmosphere that inspires a sense of solemnity and beauty. Behind the Mahavira Hall, two Dharma halls are situated on either side, and the northern wall of the courtyard borders a prominent hill. Meandering paths and dense woods complete the temple’s traditional layout of being nestled against the mountain and facing the water, with symmetrical architecture.

The eastern side of the temple is the living quarters for monks, including the Abbot’s Courtyard, the Incense Kitchen, the Dining Hall, and other facilities, all neatly arranged in their own courtyards and connected to the main courtyard via moon gates.

Overall, the temple excels in scale, Buddha statue craftsmanship, and ecological environment, ranking among the best in the province. According to the Lincheng County Annals, nearly thirty Buddhist temples once existed in Lincheng’s history, but none remain today. The reconstruction of Yuntong Temple pioneers the restoration and expansion of ancient temples in Lincheng and fills the gap of having no officially recorded temples in the county.