Wan Tower Yellow Cliff Temple

Wan Tower Yellow Cliff Temple

Wan Tower Yellow Cliff Temple is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism destination.

Wan Tower Yellow Cliff Temple is located southwest of Kuancheng County in Hebei Province and boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is a Buddhist site from the Liao and Jin dynasties and represents the largest Han Chinese Buddhist complex in northern China. In 1991, it was designated as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit.

The temple and its pagoda forest at Wan Tower Yellow Cliff Temple were first built during the Tiancheng era of the Later Tang Dynasty, flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and were destroyed during the Republic of China period and the Cultural Revolution. Historical records indicate that Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty traveled through this area twice on his way from the Eastern Qing Tombs to Chengde. In 1711, he composed a poem here titled “On an Imperial Progress, Passing through Huangtu Cliff at Xifeng Pass.” The poem reads: “Purple barriers flank twin cliffs, crimson steps hang a hundred feet high. Fragrant grass veils the narrow path, aged trees lie in sunny haze. This land was visited on imperial tours, the mountain lies askew at the narrow pass. Since when has the stone chamber stayed, as I rein in my horse to gaze at layered peaks?” Historically, the temple attracted throngs of pilgrims and enjoyed enduring incense offerings, gaining fame both inside and outside the Great Wall. The “Wan Tower Yellow Cliff” and “Single-log Immortal Bridge,” both bestowed their names by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, are located within this scenic area.