Guangshan Jingju Temple

Guangshan Jingju Temple

Guangshan Jingju Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guangshan Jingju Temple, located south of Dashu Mountain and north of Xiaoshu Mountain in the Jingju Temple Management Area of Guangshan County, Henan Province, is also known as the "Imperially Bestowed Brahma Temple." It is the birthplace of Tiantai Buddhism, the first Buddhist sect in China, and renowned monks from both China and abroad often visit to trace their spiritual roots. Nestled among the "Three Sus" mountains, the temple has long been celebrated for its "Nine Dragons Holding a Sacred Site, Four Waters Converging in a Pool" wonder and the serene beauty of its twelve scenic spots. The eminent monks Huisi and Zhiyi were famed leaders of Zen Buddhism, historically revered as the Two Sages. Su Dongpo, Chen Jichang, and Huang Tingjian all gathered here and were praised as the Three Worthies. In front of the temple stand five ancient cypresses, arranged left and right, tall and upright, said to have been planted by Tang Dynasty monks. There is also a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree over seven zhang tall (approximately 23 feet), with a trunk three to four people can encircle, and a canopy covering about one acre. A sandalwood and a cypress grow on the tree, known as the "Three Different Trees from One Root." Five large characters inscribed by Emperor Zhenzong of Song, "Imperially Bestowed Brahma Temple," are still embedded in the temple’s gate. The Mahavira Hall inside the temple is a Ming Dynasty structure. The temple also houses over 30 stone tablets inscribed with poems and writings by historical figures and scholars who visited Jingju Temple, including a particularly precious tablet engraved with Su Shi’s "Poem and Preface on Visiting Jingju Temple" from the Song Dynasty.

Historically, Jingju Temple was not only home to numerous Buddha statues and a rich collection of scriptures but also hosted grand temple fairs, earning it the reputation of a "City of Poetry and Land of Music" that was famous across southern Henan. The ancient temple lies quietly amidst enchanting landscapes, combining mountains, light, water, scenery, gardens, and temples into a serene and magnificent mountain-temple vista, boasting abundant natural and cultural attractions.

Although Jingju Temple has suffered damage from wars several times, its main attractions remain well-preserved. With its long history and captivating natural scenery, the temple area offers stunning views. The unique landscape of southern Henan’s rural scenery, shaped by the region's terrain, vegetation, and other natural factors, is especially enchanting, highlighted by grand features such as the "Nine Dragons Holding a Sacred Site" and the "Four Waters Converging in a Pool," as well as smaller, intricately arranged sights that delight the eye. The temple attracts over 200,000 domestic and international visitors each year.

Jingju Temple boasts not only majestic and spectacular religious structures but also elegant and legendary ancient culture. With its beautiful environment, the temple is rich in tourism resources. The Jingju Temple Ecotourism Development Zone features many attractions, including twelve recorded in the county annals: "Dashu Mountain," "Ziyun Pagoda," "Cui Zhu Peak," "Bailian Pond," "Dongpo’s Study Hall," "Merit Well," and others. There are also twelve widely known and still-extant sights, such as "Western Mountain Reflection," "Second Gate Viewing the Sky," "Immortal’s Cave," "Fishing Platform," and "Oil and Salt Jar." Additionally, more recently formed attractions include "Azure Sea Flowing Light," "Green Waves and White Egrets," "Emerald Belt Around the Waist," "Sweet Chestnuts and Smiling Faces," and "Red Leaves of the Northern Hollow." Moreover, there are ancient trees and famous flowers such as the "Three Different Trees from One Root" planted in the Tang Dynasty and the Tang Cypress with chrysanthemums, which are a feast for the eyes and inspire awe.

In the early years of the People’s Republic of China, Jingju Temple was listed as a provincial-level protected ancient building. Restoration work was carried out on the remaining old structures. In 1986, it was designated as a provincial cultural relics protection unit by the People’s Government of Henan Province.

Opening Hours: All day

Full Address: Guangshan Jingju Temple Scenic Management Area, Guangshan County, Henan Province

Postal Code: 465425

Tourist Hotline: 0376-8436896

Fax: 0376--8576686

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units