Tangshan Xingguo Temple

Tangshan Xingguo Temple

Tangshan Xingguo Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xingguo Temple is situated on the southern side of the main peak of Dacheng Mountain in Lubei District, Tangshan City. According to historical records, the temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It is said that Emperor Taizong of Tang once stationed here during his eastward military expedition, and after returning triumphantly, he saw the temple and named it Xingguo (Prosperous Nation), symbolizing his aspiration for national prosperity. The temple remained active through the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and into the early years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It had significant influence historically but was damaged during the Cultural Revolution and was destroyed in the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. Because the temple grounds were surrounded by prickly ash trees, it was also commonly referred to as Huajiao Temple (Prickly Ash Temple) among locals. In recent years, with the growing number of Buddhist followers in Tangshan, many devotees have called for the restoration of Xingguo Temple. To meet the religious needs of believers, after years of effort by Buddhist organizations and approval from relevant government departments, Xingguo Temple has been rebuilt on its original site at Dacheng Mountain.

The reconstructed Xingguo Temple is located in the southwestern part of Dacheng Mountain Park, covering an area of 71.7 mu, and is designed in the style of ancient Tang Dynasty architecture. Emphasizing historical and cultural heritage, it represents a perfect combination of architectural artistry and religious space. It will not only serve as a religious venue for followers to conduct regular Buddhist activities, but also as a stage for promoting national culture, public performance arts, tourism, and sightseeing. It is set to become one of Tangshan’s new iconic buildings.

The temple is built along the mountain, with halls arranged in sequence, creating an extraordinary atmosphere as structures rise tiered against the hillside. The entire temple follows a framework of three vertical and three horizontal axes, with the main architectural complex aligned longitudinally along the eastern axis. The mountain gate is located at the southern end, adhering to the traditional design of facing south. Three courtyards unfold from south to north, offering a dynamic rhythm with varying heights, and culminate in the Nianfo Hall—the supreme meditation hall in Buddhism—embodying the grandeur and solemnity of ancient Tang-style architecture. The western section consists of two independent quadrangle courtyards from south to north, ending with the Zhen Shen Bao Ta (True Body Treasure Pagoda), which is also the tallest structure in the temple. The central axis features a liberation pond and a garden connecting the surrounding buildings, creating a harmonious and complementary overall design. The entire architectural plan draws upon the essence of Tang Dynasty temple construction in China, reflecting the wisdom, simplicity, and reverence of Buddhist art.

Transportation Guide

Location: Beixin East Road, Lubei District, Tangshan City, Hebei Province (next to Dacheng Mountain Park)

Getting There: Within Tangshan City, you can take buses No. 52, 77, or Tourist Line 1, get off at the South Gate 1 of Dacheng Mountain Park, and walk to the temple.