Xiyansi Temple

Xiyansi Temple

Xiyansi Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xiyansi Temple

Xiyansi Temple is located on the mountainside of Xiyanshan (West Rock Mountain) in the northwest of Xipian Township, Shangrao Town, Raoping County, at an altitude of around 1,000 meters. It was first built in the 28th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1600), renovated in the 19th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1754), repaired again in August 1940 during the Republic of China era, and restored once more in 1981. In October 1988, it was listed as a county-level key cultural relic protection site.

The horizontal plaque on the outer mountain gate inscribed with “Fairy Mountain Blessed Land” was erected in the 48th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1783). The area here is serene, with fresh air, fragrant flowers, and birdsong. Upon entering the outer mountain gate, you are greeted by the temple’s stone plaque inscribed with “Xiyansi Temple,” alongside the text “Built in the 28th year of the Wanli reign (1600), inscribed by Xianglin Zhan Guangyu.” On both sides of the main gate stand two large stone lions, their mouths open and bells hanging, guarding the entrance. Inside the temple, there are Buddha statues and wooden and stone carvings that exude an antique charm. The main hall has six stone pillars, the front two of which are large cylindrical columns shaped like drums, each engraved with a spectacular relief of dragons soaring amid clouds.

Xiyanshan, also known as Bijia Mountain (Pen Rack Mountain), stands at an altitude of 1,255 meters and is one of the highest peaks in the county, featuring steep cliffs and rugged rocks. The temple is built atop the rocky summit, resembling a giant phoenix spreading its wings as if about to take flight—hence it is also called “Chongtianfeng Temple” (Soaring Heaven Phoenix Temple).

Source: Chaozhou Government Website

Shangrao Town: Located in the northern part of Raoping County, Shangrao Town is surrounded by mountains on its eastern, western, and northern sides. It borders Fujian Province to the east, Dabu County of the same province to the west, Raoyang Town of the same county to the south, and Shangshan Town to the north. The town covers an area of 52.67 square kilometers, with over 40,000 mu of mountainous land and 10,670 mu of arable land. It has a total population of 41,865 and administers 13 village committees as well as two residential committees—Maoshi and Bashi. The main grain crops include rice, wheat, dryland crops, and sweet potatoes, while economic crops consist of tea, lychee, longan, green plum, olive, and honey pomelo. The town has four hydropower stations of varying sizes... More detailed information about Shangrao Town++