Chicheng Huguo Temple

Chicheng Huguo Temple

Chicheng Huguo Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Huguo Temple is located at the eastern foot of Sheshen Cliff near Yunzhou Reservoir, 15 kilometers from Chicheng County. An inscription on a stone tablet reads: “The temple is hidden in cliffside caves, accessible via a major road, guarding against northern tribes, and shielding the imperial capital,” hence the name Huguo Temple. According to the inscriptions, the temple’s earliest traceable history dates back only to the 12th year of the Jiajing reign (1532), and prior to that it is noted: “The year of its initial construction is impossible to verify.” However, based on comprehensive research in the Ming History and the Chicheng County Annals regarding the military strategic position and importance of Chicheng beyond the Great Wall as a critical pass, it is concluded that Huguo Temple was initially built in the early years of the Chenghua reign following the Tumu Crisis.

In the autumn of the 14th year of the Zhengtong reign (autumn 1449), the famous Tumu Crisis was inseparable from the fall of eight frontier fortresses beyond the Great Wall including Dushi, —, Cangshang, and Yunzhou. These outposts were suddenly attacked by the Oirats. Though the defending soldiers fought bravely, they were eventually overwhelmed by superior numbers, leading to the fall of the cities, countless deaths, and tragic bloodshed. This heroic battle took place on the cliffs of Sheshen in Yunzhou, known as the “Throat of Three Routes.” In the early Chenghua period, after Emperor Xianzong ascended the throne, to honor the fallen soldiers, learn from past mistakes, consolidate border defenses in the north, and reflect on the lessons learned, a temple was constructed at the treacherous and strategic Sheshen Cliff—the site where the Oirats had once carried out a bloody massacre—to console local residents, warn future generations, and pray for divine protection to keep the pass secure forever.

From the memorial archway to the Guanyin Hall, the temple site gradually ascends. Along the way, there is a two-story pavilion: the upper level is the Guan Yu Temple, and the lower level houses the Four Heavenly Kings. The Guanyin Hall is situated on a flat area at the top of the staircase and marks the original site of Huguo Temple. The hall is carved into a mountain cave, located beneath the facing cliff. The cave is approximately 3.5 meters deep, 3 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high. At its center are statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva and the young Shancai (Sudhana); on the east side is the Medicine Buddha. Guanyin’s expression is serene, while the Medicine Buddha embodies universal compassion. On the outer stone walls of the cave, the “Sun” Bodhisattva is carved on the left and the “Moon” Bodhisattva on the right. The lines are clear, and the carvings vividly depict the deities, together forming the “Sun and Moon Bodhisattvas”—which also represents the Chinese character “明” (Ming), indicating that these carvings date back to the Ming Dynasty. By climbing up a steep path along the eastern cliff and turning eastward above the Guanyin Hall, you’ll find a temple built into the rock face, housing the Maitreya Buddha with a smiling face gazing into the distance. Standing before the Guanyin Hall, looking ahead, you’ll see the Qinglong (Azure Dragon) Mountain to the east and the Baihu (White Tiger) Mountain to the west, standing opposite each other amid lush forests—symbolizing the traditional guardianship of “left Azure Dragon, right White Tiger.” Huguo Temple itself is nestled at the foot of Shen Gui (Divine Turtle) Mountain. Gazing into the distance, the Plow Peak of Jinping Mountain resembles a reclining image of Chairman Mao; nearby, the meandering waters of the Bai River shimmer faintly. It is truly a feng shui treasure land. As stated in the inscription commemorating the reconstruction of Huguo Temple: “Layered mountains and emerald hues make it a truly splendid site.”

Records indicate that both the Ming and Qing dynasties undertook renovations of Huguo Temple. In 1994, with support from the county government, the temple was rebuilt, and in 2008, through donations from various sources, the grand and majestic Mahavira Hall was constructed. Today, Huguo Temple has become a popular tourist destination in our county, a sacred site for Buddhist worship and prayers for blessings, and a place that welcomes visitors from all directions to come and pay their respects.