Scripture Depository of Chongyin Temple

Scripture Depository of Chongyin Temple

The Scripture Depository of Chongyin Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

In November 1982, it was designated as a county-level key cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Zhengding County, and in February 2018, it was promoted to a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the People's Government of Hebei Province.

Chongyin Temple is located on the north side of Hengshan East Road in Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang City, and is one of the Eight Great Temples of Zhengding. Its exact founding date is unknown. According to the Zhengding County Annals compiled in the first year of the Guangxu reign (1875), it was rebuilt in the 35th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1607) with funds raised by a monk named Wuyi. During its heyday, the main structures of the temple from south to north were: the glazed screen wall, the beamless hall, the bell tower, the drum tower, the Heavenly King Hall, the east and west side halls, the Vairocana Hall, and the Scripture Depository. In 1959, the Vairocana Hall was relocated to Longxing Temple in Zhengding, and now only the Scripture Depository and the glazed screen wall remain on the site. The Scripture Depository is a two-story pavilion-style building with five bays in width and two bays in depth, featuring a flush-gable roof covered with clay tiles. The glazed screen wall stands 140 meters south of the Scripture Depository, constructed with blue bricks and a stone Sumeru pedestal. In 2017, the county government funded a restoration project for the Scripture Depository, which included renewing the tile roof, inspecting wooden components, replacing decayed pillars, restoring decorative ridge beasts, repaving the terrace, and repairing the surrounding drainage area.

Zhengding has a long history and numerous scenic spots and historical sites, and the Scripture Depository of Chongyin Temple is part of them. Its architectural components feature exquisitely detailed carvings and beautifully painted patterns, making it of high cultural value.

Further reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province