Jinzhou Hongfu Temple

Jinzhou Hongfu Temple

Jinzhou Hongfu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally named Wuguang Hongfu Temple, Hongfu Temple is located in Zhongzuo Village, Donglizhuang Town, Jinzhou City, Hebei Province. It was first built in 209 AD to commemorate Wu Guang, the leader of a peasant uprising. The temple was later renovated during the Jin and Zhou dynasties. Facing south and covering an area of over 7,000 square meters, the temple's central axis features, in sequence, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The overall layout is solemn, dignified, and sacred. On either side of the Mahavira Hall stand stone steles, their front sides inscribed with historical records.

Wu Guang and Chen Sheng were both natives of Dengfeng, Henan Province. Coming from humble backgrounds, they harbored lofty aspirations from a young age. In the late Qin Dynasty, heavy taxes and harsh laws oppressed the people. Wu and Chen were forced by the Qin authorities, under the supervision of Qin officers, to serve as captains leading nine hundred conscripts to garrison at Yuyang. When they were stationed at Liucunji in Daze Township and encountered torrential rain that halted their advance, they were unable to reach Yuyang on time and thus faced execution according to Qin military law for disobeying orders. Faced with death, Chen and Wu killed the supervising officer and rallied the soldiers and local starving people to rebel against the Qin Dynasty—sparking China’s first major peasant uprising. Wu Guang was appointed commander of the rebel army and given the title of Acting King, but was later mortally wounded by the traitor Tian Zang. His close subordinates carried him to flee, and he eventually passed away near the Fu River, twenty li south of Jinyang City, between Zhao and Zhongma. According to inscriptions in the temple: The locals built a memorial hall to honor the national hero and uprising leader, the Acting King Wu Guang, in his hometown.

Historical texts and temple inscriptions record that Chen and Wu’s rebellion lasted six months, ending in failure in July 209 BC. Later, when Liu Bang passed by Wu Guang’s memorial hall during wartime, he prayed there, moved by admiration and reverence for Wu’s courage and spirit. After ascending the throne in 202 BC, Liu Bang ordered the construction of Hongfu Temple (as evidenced by inscriptions in this temple). During the sixth year of the Wuping era of the Jin Dynasty (507 AD), the temple was demolished and rebuilt to promote Buddhism, and upon completion, the temple was grand and magnificent in scale. In the seventeenth year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1488 AD), due to the deterioration of the ancient temple, Hongfu Temple was rebuilt again but was later destroyed in 1947.

To facilitate worship for devotees, restoration of Hongfu Temple began in 2003 upon approval, funded by donations of money, materials, and labor from followers. The temple halls feature classical Chinese architectural styles, blending elegance with tradition, fully reflecting the essence of ancient Buddhist culture and architecture. Structures completed include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the 0 Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the God of Wealth Hall, and nearly 40 bronze Buddha statues along with multiple stone statues. A majestic bronze Buddha statue with a benevolent expression—hailed as the world’s largest—stands in the courtyard. Devotees flock here in steady numbers on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month. The temple grounds are shaded by lush pines and cypresses, fragrant with blooming flowers, and surrounded by extensive orchards. In spring, the air is filled with floral scents; in summer and autumn, the trees bear abundant fruit. With clean air and serene surroundings, the site is an ideal destination for worship, sightseeing, fruit picking, and tourism in Jinzhou and surrounding counties and cities.

Transportation Guide

Address: Zhongzuo Village, Donglizhuang Town, Jinzhou City, Hebei Province

By Bus: Take a bus from Jinzhou bound for Donglizhuang Town and get off at Zhongzuo Village along the way.

By Car: Drive south from Mayu Town, Jinzhou, take the first westbound road, and continue straight to Zhongzuo Village until you reach Hongfu Temple.