Xiaobei Rock

Xiaobei Rock

Established during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Xiaobei Rock was renovated and expanded in 1995. It was officially opened to the public in 1991. Known for its abundant stone carvings, rugged cliffs, ancient trees that form a dense canopy, and the sweet-tasting Longquan Spring, it has become a popular destination for both Buddhist worship and sightseeing. In October 1993, the Chaoyang County Government designated it as a cultural heritage site.

The main structure of Xiaobei Rock is the Mahavira Hall, which faces south and sits to the north, along with adjacent reception rooms and dining areas, covering a total area of about 500 square meters. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it had suffered several collapses before being reconstructed in the 24th year of the Guangxu reign (1898) by Zheng Yehong, followed by subsequent renovations by Chen Daopei and Xiao Dewu. With extensive planting of bamboo and trees, and the construction of pavilions, ponds, and shaded groves, it has long been a scenic attraction and is now under government protection.

Due to various local issues and years of neglect, lay Buddhist Lin Zongli, from the Year of Gengwu (1990) to the Year of Yichou (1995), with donations from benefactors, gradually renovated and expanded the site. The temple complex now includes the Mahavira Hall, side halls, the Temple of the God of the North (Xuan Di Miao), the Kṣitigarbha Hall, and a liberation pond, among other constructed or expanded facilities, with a total floor area exceeding 1,000 square meters. It has now been listed as a cultural heritage site by the Chaoyang City Government.

The plaque above the entrance to the Mahavira Hall is inscribed with “Zhen┨Man.” The side hall was reconstructed in the lunar month of Huayue in the Year of Jiawu (1898) under the direction of abbot Zheng Yehong. This indicates that the site was once a Taoist place of worship. Today, it enshrines the Three Buddhas of the past, present, and future. On the eastern side of the hall’s entrance stands a stone wall with a bas-relief of two dragon heads, and an inscription that reads: “Longquan. (i.e., Alchemy) Built by Master Zheng Jianwu, with calligraphy by Cai Guozhen of Chengbei.” A clear spring flows continuously from the mouths of the dragons throughout the year—an intriguing sight.

About one to two hundred meters southeast of the hall, down the slope, lies another unique area. First, you’ll see an ancient Temple of the God of the North, covering approximately 170 square meters. To the east is the two-story Kṣitigarbha Pavilion, spanning around 250 square meters. Behind the temple is a pond inscribed with the words “Liberation Pond, by Chen Daopei,” where trees, rocks, and water come together to create a beautiful scene. Nearby, there are additional stone inscriptions labeled “Little Penglai” and “Rock-Gazing Spot.” To the east, just ahead, there is a narrow, deep rock cave with a gate inscribed “Nine-Turn Cave,” which is dark inside and rarely visited. On the railing at the cliff edge in front of the Temple of the God of the North, the words are written: “Compassionate clouds spread far and wide; the Dharma rain resides perennially.”

Xiaobei Rock is surrounded by ancient trees, clusters of rocks, caves, and numerous cultural relics, offering a rich and diverse landscape full of beauty and wonder. Endless springs flow here, and the area boasts 11 inscribed plaques, 11 poetic inscriptions, 14 pairs of couplets, 2 poems, and 5 historical steles—truly a “Little Penglai” scenic gem.