Qingcheng Temple

Qingcheng Temple

Qingcheng Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Qingcheng Temple is located in Shangdianzi, Xiadianzi Village, Jinguotun Town, Luanping County, Hebei Province. It faces south and covers an area of 5,600 square meters. The temple was built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, in 1742. It was under the jurisdiction of Chengde Rehe Hall and situated along the essential route from Beijing to the northbound Mulan Hunting Grounds — the imperial road of the Qing Dynasty. It lies one kilometer east of Yuciliang and three kilometers west of the Luan River. To the north, one can see Buddha Mountain; to the front, the verdant pines on the hills look like clouds, and when the evening breeze blows, the sound of rustling leaves fills the air. At the foot of the mountain in front of the temple lies a now-destroyed opera stage (demolished in the early years after liberation). Prior to the temple fair on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, operas would be performed for over ten days. Pilgrims, merchants, and opera enthusiasts from Fengning, Longhua, and Weichang would come to worship, burn incense, trade goods, and enjoy the performances. The place was bustling with activity, truly lively and extraordinary.

Qingcheng Temple consists of two siheyuan (courtyard house complexes), one in the east and one in the west. The western courtyard is composed of a front hall, rear hall, side rooms, and auxiliary rooms. The front hall is the main hall, spanning three bays wide (10 meters) and one bay deep (6 meters). The plaque above the entrance reads “Nanhai Jing” (South Sea Realm). Inside, statues of Guanyin and other deities are enshrined. There is one auxiliary room on each of the east and west sides. The rear hall is dedicated to Guan Yu, flanked by side rooms. In the eastern courtyard, the central part of the front hall is a gateway; the west section of the gateway houses the horse stable, and the west room serves as the carriage and hay storage. The rear hall functions as the monks’ living quarters. Two rooms on the eastern side are auxiliary rooms, facing south from north, namely the well room and the latrine (toilet).

All the buildings feature flush gable roofs covered with gray tiles, with precisely jointed grey bricks and beam-column structures. The inner walls of the two halls are adorned with exquisite murals, all inspired by historical and folk tales. These murals are vibrant in color, with smooth and lively lines, rich content, expressive details, and imaginative appeal, providing a sense of spiritual solace. They are now largely well-preserved. The statues of deities inside the halls were destroyed during the land reform period in the early years after liberation. The stone railings of Qingcheng Temple are carved with peony flowers, dragons playing with pearls, and treasure chest floral patterns. The water drainage spouts are shaped like dragon heads, vividly crafted with exceptional artistry.

Whether in terms of structure, architectural style, or the mastery and technique of the murals, Qingcheng Temple holds significant value. It is a historical cultural heritage site and a culmination of cultural legacy, rich in both cultural and historical significance. Therefore, Qingcheng Temple was designated as a fourth batch provincial key cultural relics protection unit by the People’s Government of Hebei Province on March 5, 2001.

Scenic Area Address: Xiadianzi Village, Jinguotun Town, Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Luanping County to Hongqi Town, and get off at Shangdianzi along the way.

Xiadianzi Village: Xiadianzi Village is located 16 li (approximately 8 kilometers) east of Jinguotun Town Government, 6 li (approximately 3 kilometers) from the Luan River, and faces Xiannheyan Village across the river. The total area of Xiadianzi Village is 2,275.5 hectares, with cultivated land covering 1,663.95 mu (approximately 110.9 hectares) and forest land spanning 16,768.65 mu (approximately 1,117.9 hectares). The village comprises 5 natural villages, 9 resident groups, 377 households, and a population of 1,118. … More detailed information about Xiadianzi Village ++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units of Hebei Province