Laiyuan Xiangshan Temple

Laiyuan Xiangshan Temple

Laiyuan Xiangshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xiangshan Temple is situated at the eastern foot of Xiangshan Mountain, north of Beishifo Village. Historical accounts indicate that during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, monks created 369 cliff carvings on the mountain, earning it the name "Xiangshan" (Adorned Mountain). The village at the mountain’s base was named "Shifo Village." To differentiate it from several later villages that split from Beishifo, the eastern hamlet became "Dongshifo" (East Shifo), the southern one "Nanshifo" (South Shifo), while the original Shifo Village was renamed "Beishifo" (North Shifo). Legend has it that in the early years of the Hongwu era during the Ming Dynasty, shortly after Zhu Yuanzhang unified the country, he sent Liu Bowen to travel across the land to study regional customs and conditions. When Liu Bowen arrived at Yuhuang Ridge under Xiangshan in Beishifo, he noticed the mountain meandering like a reclining dragon. Well-versed in Taoist and Huang-Lao philosophies, Liu observed that Yuhuang Ridge was gradually shifting toward the headwaters of the Juma River. If it connected with Heye Mountain at the river’s source, it would bring chaos to the realm—potentially leading to the rise of a true dragon (a rightful ruler) in Laiyuan who could challenge the Zhu-led Ming Dynasty. To disrupt this geomantic pattern, Liu Bowen ordered the construction of Xiangshan Temple at the mountain’s eastern foot to suppress the energy, along with Zhenhai Temple on Heye Mountain. After the temples were built, the two mountains ceased their movement, and auspicious purple qi connected them, signaling harmony.

Xiangshan Temple is the site of the "Xiangshan Sunset Glow," one of Laiyuan’s twelve scenic wonders. It’s said that on the summer solstice, even after sunset, a dazzling array of sunset hues can still be seen from the temple grounds. Though surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the temple’s dilapidated state clashed sharply with its scenic surroundings. This decline distressed Buddhist followers and devotees, inspiring Master Mingyin and local authorities to restore the temple to its former glory and further develop it.

To expedite the temple’s restoration, Master Mingyin traveled extensively across China to raise funds. During construction, he personally supervised the work on-site. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Xiangshan Temple regained its radiance as a sacred Buddhist site.

Today, Xiangshan Temple has been rebuilt with structures such as the Mahavira Hall and has resumed Buddhist activities. To support the temple’s development, the local government allocated over 200 acres of land for construction. Once completed, the entire temple complex will sit atop a terrain shaped like a grand armchair. Master Mingyin and the temple’s monastic and lay devotees are now planning additional structures, including a scripture depository, bell and drum towers, Guanyin Hall, and Dizang Hall.

Transportation Guide

Address: Beishifo Township, Laiyuan County, Baoding City, Hebei Province

Getting There: Take a bus from Laiyuan County to Beishifo Township, then walk north from the drop-off point.