Solemn Zen Temple

Solemn Zen Temple

Solemn Zen Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Solemn Zen Temple

Baihua Mountain Solemn Zen Temple, located in Shijia Village, Zhoutian Town, about thirty li east of Huidong County, is commonly known as "Baihua Jian." It was first built during the Song Dynasty, and underwent renovations and expansions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, growing to an impressive scale. In October 1983, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of the county, and in August 1988, it was approved for registration and reopening. It is one of the scenic attractions of eastern Guangdong.

Throughout the ages, through changing times, the temple has been renovated multiple times. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1979, religious policies were reinstated. The ancient temple was restored. Since the Year of Xin You (1984), scattered stone inscriptions and famous literary works were collected, and notable verses were engraved on large rocks, reviving the temple’s classical charm for visitors to admire. Preparations for constructing the Mahavira Hall in front of the temple began in 1988. Following meticulous design, construction commenced in 1993 after selecting an auspicious date. Earth was excavated, soil was transported, pits were filled, and embankments were built to erect the main hall. A dam was constructed by cutting into the mountain to create the Ancestral Hall. Additionally, two-story buildings were erected on both sides of the main hall to serve as meeting rooms, reception halls, meditation rooms, and other supporting facilities. The project was completed in the fifth month of the Year of Ji Hai (1995).

The newly built Solemn Zen Temple is situated within the Baihua Stone Gate, facing south with its back to the north. It spans 70 meters in width and 30 meters in depth, covering a construction area of 2,100 square meters. The total investment exceeded 1 million yuan. The temple complex consists of eight individual structures built along the mountainside in upper and lower tiers, forming a traditional quadrangle courtyard layout. The halls feature wooden and stone structures, topped with golden-glazed yellow tiles, and are designed with hip-and-gable and flush-gable roofs.