Chanyin Temple Stupa

Chanyin Temple Stupa

Chanyin Temple Stupa is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Chanyin Temple Stupa is located in Xidalisi Village, Gaocun Township, Zhao County, Hebei Province, about twenty kilometers from the county town. The ancient stupa was built in the ninth year of the Zhi Zheng era (1349) during the reign of Emperor Shundi of the Yuan Dynasty. Its full name is “The Stupa of Master Puming Jinghui, the Dharma Master of Chanyin Temple.” It is a key cultural relic protection unit at the provincial level in Hebei Province. The base of the stupa is connected to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. According to local villagers, the stupa was originally intact, but later became divided. In 1997, the ancient stupa was stolen. Villagers heard the noise and scared off the thieves. Some parts of the stupa were taken away by the thieves, while other dismantled sections that the thieves didn’t have time to remove were left behind and are now stored in villagers’ homes. Later, the gang of thieves was arrested, and the recovered sections were placed in the county’s cultural relics department. This once intact ancient stupa has now been split into three separate locations. The county’s cultural relics department had planned to relocate the stupa to Zhaozhou Bridge Park for better protection, but the plan was not implemented due to opposition from local villagers.

The remaining Sumeru pedestal at the original site is octagonal, with carvings of musicians and decorative patterns on each side, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of the stone stupa. To prevent further theft, villagers have built a low wall around the pedestal for protection. It is hoped that this stupa, now separated into different parts, can be restored to its original form soon.

Further reading:

· Third Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units in Hebei Province