Hongci Cave Scenic Area

Hongci Cave Scenic Area

Hongci Cave Scenic Area

Hongci Cave is an ancient architectural site located on the steep cliffs southwest of Xiyongfengbao Village, Beixin Tun Township. The ancient Hongci Cave Temple was built during the Ming Dynasty, nestled against the mountain and facing the water. It is a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, featuring 30 halls, shrines, and cave chambers, along with over 200 Buddha and deity statues. Hongci Cave consists of three courtyards. The first courtyard has a pebble-paved ground, decorated with patterns made from natural red, yellow, and white pebbles, giving it a simple and elegant look. Inside the courtyard, two main halls stand side by side, facing east and backed by the west—one is the “Goddess Temple” on the left, and the other is the “Great Buddha Hall” on the right. On the north side of the Great Buddha Hall, facing west, there is a moon gate. Passing through the moon gate leads to the second courtyard, which is built on a platform and adjacent to a steep, towering cliff that rises abruptly from the ground, majestic and imposing. The cliff face features a row of five cave chambers: the “Herbal Medicine Cave,” “Kitchen Cave,” “Three Emperors Cave,” “Puming Cave,” and “Tang Monk Cave.” Descending via a small path from the “South Heavenly Gate” leads to the third courtyard, which houses a tofu workshop, a mill, and a vinegar workshop—these were the living quarters for monks throughout the generations.

Xiyongfengbao Village: Xiyongfengbao is located in the northwest of Beixin Tun Township, 4.5 kilometers south of Xinhekou Village and on the eastern bank of the upper reaches of Gucheng River. According to records, it was first established in the late Ming Dynasty. Because Hongci Cave is situated to the west of the village, the village was named Hongmiao’er (Temple Village) after the temple. During the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1796–1820), due to favorable weather and irrigation from the Gucheng River, agricultural yields were abundant year after year. Consequently, the village name was changed to Yongfengbao (Abundant Harvest Fortress). To distinguish it from Yongfengbao in Zhangjiakou, it was renamed Xiyongfengbao (Western Abundant Harvest Fortress). The village has 309 households, 871 residents, 41 Party members, 4 cadres in the “two committees,” and 1,995 mu of arable land. …… More detailed information about Xiyongfengbao Village++