Luoning Xiangshan Temple

Luoning Xiangshan Temple

Luoning Xiangshan Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

Luoning Xiangshan Temple is located 120 kilometers from Luoyang City, in Luoling Village, Luoling Township, Luoning County. Situated halfway up the mountain and surrounded by peaks, it enjoys a serene environment. In 2008, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province. Legend has it that Luoning Xiangshan Temple was built in the 10th year of the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (67 AD), earlier than the White Horse Temple in Luoyang (some say it was built in the 12th year of Yongping, 69 AD).

Luoning Xiangshan Temple is a Buddhist temple that was once highly popular and well-known locally as well as in nearby provinces and cities. However, due to wars and other reasons, its prominence gradually declined. Before the 1980s, the site served as the primary school of Luoling Village and became a rather neglected temple. After the school relocated, the temple’s traditions were revived. The reason it has maintained its incense offerings for 2,000 years is attributed to being the “Ancestral Court of the Dharma Banner Orthodoxy.” Today, the 2,000-year-old cypress tree within the temple grounds is considered its treasure. Known as the Twisted Cypress, it originally had three main branches—one of which grew over the roof. A strong wind in the last century broke off this branch, but miraculously, it did not damage the building and instead landed in a narrow open space, leaving locals in awe.

Xiangshan Temple was built in the 8th year of the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty, while this cypress was planted in the 12th year. The tree grew tall and straight with no knots in its trunk. Legend says it was sold during the Yuan Dynasty, and when it was being cut down, blood oozed from the saw cut, frightening the buyer who fled. The next day, the wound healed on its own, and the trunk twisted, creating a unique spectacle. Having survived many trials, the ancient cypress still stands proudly, full of vitality and widely renowned. Many come to pray here for blessings, longevity, marriage, or offspring, earning it the nickname “King Cypress.” Elevation: 683 meters; Tree age: over 1,900 years; Height: 18 meters; Girth: 340 cm; Crown width: 12 meters

Luoling Village: Luoling Village... More details about Luoling Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units