Xinyang Huofo Temple

Xinyang Huofo Temple

Xinyang Huofo Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

- The classic Chinese-style gate opposite the Zen temple is the temple’s “Mountain Gate.” With three entrances, it is also called the “Three Gates.” The middle one is the “Gate of Emptiness,” while the east and west gates are the “Gate of Formlessness” and the “Gate of Non-Action,” symbolizing the Three Liberations. Why is it also called the Mountain Gate? Because “since ancient times, monks have often made their homes in famous mountains,” and “hidden temples lie deep in the mountains.” Temple gates are often located at the entrance of mountainous areas, hence the name Mountain Gate.

The former ticket office had a couplet that read: “Take a step back and think—how many more chances will you have?” Though small, this temple has a unique feature: it is currently the only temple in China dedicated to Ji Gong. In Buddhism, there is a hierarchy. Although revered as a Buddha, Ji Gong is neither a Buddha nor a Bodhisattva, but rather a manifestation of an Arhat. Due to his relatively low status in the Buddhist pantheon, he did not receive the recognition he deserved. Known for his unrestrained personality, disregard for taboos, tattered clothing, and frequent indulgence in wine and meat, he was nicknamed “Crazy Ji” or “Mad Monk Ji.” Attentive visitors might even spot a shrine to Ji Gong on the beams of larger temples. He is also playfully referred to as the “Ji Gong on the Beam.” Legend has it that during the Southern Song Dynasty, the monk Daoji, also known by his secular name Li Xinyuan—or Ji Gong—traveled here. Captivated by the beautiful scenery of Jigong Mountain, he passed away here and attained nirvana. The locals built a temple in his honor and named it Huofo Temple.

In 1991, Yin Benyan and others raised tens of thousands of yuan to rebuild Huofo Temple on its original site, restoring it to its former appearance. Today, the temple not only enshrines Ji Gong, but also features Sakyamuni Buddha in the center. In addition, there are nine other deities, including Guanyin of the South Sea, the Goddess of Childbirth, the God of Wealth, the Divine Boy, and the Jade Maiden.

- Inside the temple grounds are two ginkgo trees planted by the late abbot Yin Shoulai. The one on the east side is female, standing 12 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 1.37 meters. It has dense foliage and bears abundant fruit. The one on the west is male, slightly taller than the female tree, with a trunk circumference of 1.32 meters. Its branches are thick and strong but bear no fruit. In autumn, the ginkgo leaves turn golden yellow, creating a stunning sight in the temple. On the temple’s facing wall are four paintings depicting the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the “Three Jewels” of Buddhism—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. They represent the four cardinal directions and symbolize favorable weather and prosperity, ensuring bountiful harvests and peace for the nation. The Southern Growth King is blue, holding a sword, representing “wind” (a play on the similarity between the word for sword edge and wind). The Eastern Holding-King is white, playing a pipa, representing “harmony” (as the pipa’s strings are tuned). The Northern Many-Hearing King is green, holding a precious umbrella, representing “rain” (the umbrella shelters from or brings rain). The Western Wide-Eyed King is red, holding a dragon, representing “prosperity.” At the front of the main hall is Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism—the oldest of the world’s major religions. Buddhism originated around the 6th to 5th century BCE in ancient India’s Kosala Kingdom (present-day Lumbini, Nepal). Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Sakyamuni, the prince of the Shakya clan. His mother was Queen Maya, and it is said that the Buddha was born in the Lumbini Garden. As he grew older, he became deeply aware of human suffering, so at age 29, he renounced worldly life, underwent six years of ascetic practice, and attained enlightenment. “Sakyamuni” means “the sage of the Shakya clan.” Buddhism spread to China in the 1st century CE.

To the right of the temple are the Liberation Pond, Stone City Cave Heaven, Immortal Ascension Cave, One Step to Heaven, Flying Rock, and Immortal Peach Rock. There is a small notch on the Immortal Peach Rock. Legend says it was caused when Sun Wukong took a bite out of a heavenly peach during his rebellion in the celestial palace, then dropped it here. Further to the right is a massive rock that strikingly resembles a gold ingot—it’s known as the “World’s Number One Gold Ingot.” Wow, such a huge ingot lying here gives off the vibe of “treasure hidden deep in the mountains, unknown to man.” Perhaps it’s a reward from the Buddha to Ji Gong. Touch it or take a photo with it, and may it bring you great wealth and fortune.

After returning from Huofo Temple, cross the Mercy Ferry Bridge and take the small path on the right. Winding through lush woods and bamboo groves, the path is very tranquil. Further ahead lies another attraction: Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. If you were here in the 1920s or 1930s, you’d have to stop—foreign men and women might have been swimming there. This area was once an artificial bathing pool for the foreign community, which is why it was also called the Foreigners’ Bathing Pool. Though man-made, the mountain pools seem naturally formed, with ingenious design. The water is crystal clear, reminiscent of the scenic beauty of Hangzhou, and thus named “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.” Among the three pools stands a large tree, the Tatarian Maple, nearly 130 years old. With a trunk circumference of 5 meters, a height of 20 meters, and a crown spread of 20 square meters, its leaves turn brilliant red in autumn, earning it the nickname “Nangang Red Leaves.” Fallen leaves drift with the stream and pool waters, creating a moving landscape. This stream is therefore called the “Crimson Flow Ravine.”