Site of the Former Mianzhong Temple

Site of the Former Mianzhong Temple

The Site of the Former Mianzhong Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nanheng West Street was part of the old street layout of Youzhou during the Tang Dynasty, with the site of the former Mianzhong Temple located on its north side. In the 19th year of the Zhenguan era (645 AD), Emperor Taizong of Tang launched a campaign against Goguryeo from Youzhou but failed to conquer it and returned. Empress Wu Zetian, in reverence of the late emperor’s ambition, chose a site inside Yingchun Gate in the first year of the Wansuitian era (696 AD) to build Mianzhong Temple, to commemorate and pray for the deceased soldiers. An Lushan and Shi Siming later added two pagodas, one to the east and one to the west. During Emperor Wuzong’s Huichang era suppression of Buddhism, this temple was the only one spared among the eight prefectures of Youyan. In the 2nd year of the Zhonghe era (883 AD) under Emperor Xizong, the temple was destroyed by fire. Later, the military governor Li Kuangwei had it rebuilt and constructed a seven-bay, three-story high pavilion behind the temple, enshrining a standing statue of Guanyin in the center. In the early years of the Liao Dynasty, the temple suffered damage from fire and earthquakes, but was reconstructed in the 10th year of the Da’an era (1094 AD) under Emperor Daozong, giving the temple a completely renewed appearance. During the Jin Dynasty, the temple was briefly converted into a shrine. The captured Song Emperor Qinzong, along with his consorts and palace ladies, were detained here briefly while passing through Yanjing. In the Yuan Dynasty, Mianzhong Temple became a popular leisure destination for the locals, earning the praise that “the towering pavilion of Mianzhong Temple is just a hand’s reach from the sky.” However, the entire temple was destroyed in wars at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. In the 3rd year of the Zhengtong era (1638 AD), eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial rebuilt the northern halls and renamed the temple Chongfu Temple. It was destroyed again in the late Ming Dynasty. In the 11th year of the Yongzheng era (1733 AD) of the Qing Dynasty, funds were allocated for reconstruction and the temple was renamed Fayuan Temple. Until modern times, the area in front of the temple was filled with makeshift sheds and shacks. In the mid-20th century, schools and residential buildings were constructed here. In 2003, the Xuanwu District government funded the relocation and renovation of the area, transforming it into a landscaped garden and erecting a stone lantern to mark the original site of the temple. This not only enhanced the landscape but also preserved the cultural heritage, truly a commendable act for the benefit of the people. As the inscription goes: Though halls and towers have vanished, the ancient site remains. Marking history with enduring signs, renewing the park with fresh vision. Documenting its legacy, for visitors to come.