Linshan Grottoes

Linshan Grottoes

The Linshan Grottoes are a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

The Linshan Grottoes consist of four Buddhist grottoes, with Grottoes No. 1, 2, and 3 located on West Linshan Mountain, commonly known as the Thousand Buddha Hall and Ten Thousand Buddha Hall respectively; Grotto No. 4 is situated on East Linshan Mountain, commonly called the Stone Buddha Hall. Grottoes No. 1 and 2 were first carved during the Song Dynasty, while Grottoes No. 3 and 4 were first carved during the Ming Dynasty. Among them, Grotto No. 1 has 135 Buddha statues, Grotto No. 2 has 925, Grotto No. 3 has 1,035, and Grotto No. 4 has 130. The grotto statues are divided into round carvings and reliefs. The figures are depicted in various forms—some kind and gentle, others fierce and ugly; some joyful, some sorrowful; some plump, some emaciated—displaying a thousand different postures and vivid expressions. They are among the precious ancient stone carving artworks preserved in China.

The East Linshan Grottoes, also known as the "Stone Buddha Hall," are located on the mountainside of East Linshan Mountain and were carved during the Ming Dynasty. The grotto is 3.6 meters wide, 3.35 meters deep, and 1.7 meters high. The cave ceiling is carved in the style of a tiled wooden structure, with the central wall featuring a sculpture of "one Buddha and two disciples," and the other walls adorned with 130 Buddha statues.

The three grottoes on West Linshan Mountain are also known respectively as the "Hundred Buddha Hall," "Thousand Buddha Hall," and "Ten Thousand Buddha Hall." The Hundred Buddha Hall is located on the northern part of the mountain top, measuring 3.45 meters wide, 2.85 meters deep, and 2.28 meters high. At its center stands a white marble Buddha statue, though unfortunately, the head has been stolen. The four walls are carved with 135 Buddha statues. The "Thousand Buddha Hall" is also situated on the mountain top, carved during the Song Dynasty, measuring 3.4 meters wide, 2.7 meters deep, and 2.1 meters high, with 925 Buddha statues carved on its four walls, along with inscriptions and dated records around the statues. The "Ten Thousand Buddha Hall" is located at the foot of the mountain, carved during the Ming Dynasty, measuring 3.57 meters wide and 2.8 meters deep. The central wall originally had three stone-carved Bodhisattva statues, which are now missing, while the four walls feature 1,017 Buddha statues of varying sizes.

This grotto complex is located about thirty kilometers from Shijiazhuang City and can be considered a tranquil tourist destination away from the hustle and bustle. Within the Linshan Grottoes scenic area, there are four well-known Buddhist grottoes, three of which are situated on the picturesque West Linshan Mountain, and one located in the East Linshan Mountain area. These grottoes have a long history—two were built during the Song Dynasty and the other two during the Ming Dynasty. Having withstood over a hundred years of natural wear and tear, they remain well-preserved to this day and have long been regarded as sacred and significant sites for sightseeing throughout history.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Linshan Mountain, Sanji Township, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province

Transit Routes: Take a bus from Pingshan County headed for Sanji Township, then transfer to a minibus upon arrival to reach the site.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province