Changli Shuiyan Temple

Changli Shuiyan Temple

Changli Shuiyan Temple is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Hebei Province.

Shuiyan Temple, situated on Baofeng Terrace in the Jieshi Mountain scenic area, is also known as "Baofeng Temple." To its north lies the main peak of Jieshi Mountain, Xiantai Peak; to the east stands a 241-meter-high peak that is tall and graceful, with bizarre rocks jutting out, resembling an incense burner, hence named "Xiangshan"; to the west it connects to a slope ridge leading to the western cliffs of Xiantai Peak. The top of the slope resembles a crown, named "Shamao Mountain" (Veil Mountain). Between Baofeng Terrace and Xiangshan, a stream flows gently through, originating from Longtan Cave at the eastern cliff edge of Xiantai Peak. The area is embraced by mountains and water, boasting extraordinarily beautiful scenery.

The name Shuiyan Temple comes from its location beside water and rock. As a thousand-year-old temple in Jieshi Mountain, broken steles and remnants in the temple once bore the inscription “Rebuilt in the first year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty,” indicating its origins can be traced back to the Sui and Northern and Southern Dynasties periods before the Tang Dynasty. Among the stone railings in front of the temple’s main hall, two octagonal stone pagodas were erected in the first year of the Baoning era of the Liao Dynasty (969 AD), inscribed with texts translated by the Tang Dynasty's imperial-invited Dharma Master Bukong, the Guanding Patriarch. This shows that when the county town of Changli (then called “Guangning”) was first established at the foot of Jieshi Mountain, Shuiyan Temple had already become the foremost Buddhist site nearest to the county.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Shuiyan Temple was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit and underwent renovation in 1955. The renovated temple remained well-preserved until it suffered severe damage during the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake, leading to the eventual demolition of its ground structures. By the early 1990s, Shuiyan Temple was rebuilt on the site of the former Qianfo Hall (Thousand Buddha Hall), occupying an even larger area. Its main structures fully reflect the architectural style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, appearing exceptionally magnificent and spectacular.

In 2001, Shuiyan Temple was approved by the provincial and municipal religious affairs departments as the only officially recognized religious activity venue in Qinhuangdao City. In June 28, 2002, it was officially handed over to the management and development of the provincial Buddhist association, with Master Cunhai serving as the temple’s abbot. Venerable Master Jinghui, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China and President of the Buddhist Association of Hebei Province, visited multiple times to provide guidance on religious activities.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units