Xuanhua Bolin Temple

Xuanhua Bolin Temple

Xuanhua Bolin Temple is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Bolin Temple is located 35 kilometers south of Xuanhua. It was first built during the Zhengde era of the Tang Dynasty, over 1,200 years ago, and is now a key cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province. The main structures consist of three grottoes and a pagoda situated on the northern hillside. The grottoes house more than 300 stone Buddhist statues of various sizes, exquisitely carved and lifelike. The pagoda is a five-story, eight-sided solid stone structure, simple yet elegant in design, with a unique shape that makes it a highlight of the temple. The surrounding area is embraced by green hills and shaded by lush trees. In the distance, the mountain mist is hazy and ethereal, while nearby white magnolia flowers emit a subtle fragrance.

The grotto beneath the pagoda is called the Eastern Buddha Cave. To the west are the Central Buddha Cave and the Western Buddha Cave, all carved from massive rocks. The main Buddha in the Eastern Buddha Cave is Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha of the Eastern Pure Land, depicted holding a treasure pagoda and seated cross-legged on a lotus throne. The cave walls feature 108 small relief Buddha figures, brightly colored—though regrettably, their heads and faces were damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The Central Buddha Cave, also known as the Thousand Buddha Pavilion, centers around the Buddha Dipankara, believed to be the teacher of Shakyamuni Buddha and the one who guided him to enlightenment. The Buddha figures inside are vividly crafted and integrated with the intricately carved altar and cave walls. Around them are 43 smaller Buddha figures of various forms, serving as accompaniments. The Western Cave features larger Buddha statues, with Shakyamuni Buddha seated in the center, his face round and radiant, eyes calm and profound, and large ears drooping gracefully. To his left is the Bodhisattva Manjushri, majestic atop a lion, and to his right is the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, serene upon an elephant. Though the Buddha figures in the Western and Central Caves have weathered and some paint has faded over centuries, the flowing lines and clear, delicate patterns still retain their former charm, standing as true artistic masterpieces.

These three caves were carved from three giant rocks, each about 20 meters high, housing a total of more than 300 stone Buddha statues. Their construction began during the Zhide era of the Tang Dynasty and was completed during the Longqing era of the Ming Dynasty.

In front of the caves lies the "Three Officials Sacred Realm," situated at the heart of Bolin Temple. Facing south with its back to the north, this brick-and-wood structure consists of two levels: the upper level houses the Mahavira Hall, while the lower level is the "Three Officials Sacred Realm." Built later than the caves in the fifth year of the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing reign, it is exquisitely delicate and solemnly elegant. The "Three Officials Sacred Realm" cave enshrines a statue of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. Below are smaller statues of the Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official. The eastern and western meditation rooms feature painted clay sculptures and murals related to deities and Buddhas. The courtyard contains an incense burner and mats for worship.

Bolin Temple, originally named Stone Buddha Temple, was later renamed Bolin Temple due to the ancient cypresses towering over the site. It is surrounded by overlapping peaks, bizarre rocks, dense shade, and fresh air. High-quality mineral water gushes from crevices in the wheat-fed rock, referred to locally as "holy water," while the rock itself is called "holy stone," believed to have health benefits comparable to those of Laoshan mineral water. During temple fairs, the site becomes lively with endless streams of worshippers who brave long journeys across mountains and rivers to offer incense and prayers here. The incense smoke curls in the air, making the temples appear to float amid clouds and mist, dreamlike and mysterious.

In May 2013, Xuanhua Bolin Temple was designated as part of the seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units.

Scenic Area Address: South of Bolin Temple Village, Guozhen Town, Xuanhua County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units