Hengshui Baoyun Temple

Hengshui Baoyun Temple

Hengshui Baoyun Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Hengshui Baoyun Temple is located in the southwestern part of Hengshui city. Historical inscriptions record its establishment during the Sui Dynasty, but in fact, a temple had already existed here since the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Legend has it that at its peak, "the temple grounds spanned thirty acres, with nearly a hundred halls, and the tolling of its watchtower bells could be heard for miles, attracting worshippers year-round." Inside Baoyun Temple stands a pagoda, 36.5 meters tall, with an octagonal pyramidal brick-and-wood structure. From the fourth floor upwards, there are doors on all four sides, and each level of the pagoda features a distinct architectural style—some adorned with mandarin duck brackets, others with plum blossom brackets—creating a majestic and timeless aura. Climbing to the top requires a bit of courage, as each level involves walking halfway around the exterior to find the entrance on the opposite side. A visit to the temple also offers the unique experience of touching the “thousand-year immortal grass” and sensing the weight of history. This “thousand-year immortal grass,” a member of the orchid family also known as iris tectorum, is a perennial herbaceous plant. The one in the temple was planted by the great Tang Dynasty poet Wang Zhihuan. In the second year of the Kaiyuan era, the 26-year-old Wang Zhihuan earned the admiration of Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling, who recommended him for the position of county clerk in what was then Hengshui County. Before leaving, he noticed a clump of iris tectorum in front of the prime minister’s residence and, moved by the sight, remarked to the prime minister: “This grass asks for neither rich soil nor abundant water, yet remains ever green through the ages. Since you, wise prime minister, place your trust in me, I too will be like this unpretentious iris tectorum—undaunted by wind and frost, and forever upholding the righteous spirit of a scholar-official in service to the nation and its people.” He then asked for a few plants to take back to Hengshui, leaving behind a story for the ages.

Hebei Province, Hengshui City