Masaiyan Temple

Masaiyan Temple

Masaiyan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Masaiyan Temple was established in the mid-Tang Dynasty. It is located at the eastern foot of Mount Ma in the western part of Chimei Subdistrict, Puning City. The temple complex consists of a main hall flanked by side chambers, featuring a “double phoenixes facing a phoenix” architectural layout, covering an area of about 1,000 square meters. The temple faces south and is backed by the main peak of Lion Mountain, with a deep ravine stretching out before it. Ancient trees of varying heights and creeping vines tower above, blocking out sunlight while filling the air with birdsong and floral scents. Behind the temple stands a thousand-year-old banyan tree whose canopy spreads like a giant umbrella, covering the roof of the main Mahavira Hall, with its roots remarkably exposed and coiled, resembling dragons guarding the sacred site. In front of the temple, the deep ravine features massive rocks, stacked and undulating, shaped like monks gathered to listen to Buddhist teachings. Below these rocks lies a mysterious, seemingly bottomless “Bottomless Cave.” To the left of the temple is a massive rock shaped like a prancing steed, known as the “Stone Horse Neighing in the Wind.” To the right is a deep, narrow valley where spring water trickles from beneath a huge rock, continuously flowing into the monks’ kitchen — cool, clear, and sweet, referred to as the “Washing Alms Bowl Spring.” Standing in front of the temple and gazing into the distance, one can see Tiankui Rock of the Greater Southern Mountains resembling a ladder to the heavens, while Tiefeng of the Lesser Northern Mountains arches protectively like a screen. Looking closer at the valleys below, the shimmering light on Hou Mountain Reservoir glimmers golden against the lush green mountains and clear waters, creating a refreshing and delightful scene. Through the ages, Masaiyan Temple has been bathed in the essence of sun and moon, embodying the beauty of the landscape, serene and elegant, a spectacular place that serves both as a sacred Buddhist site and a scenic destination. To the left of the temple is a rock formation resembling a horse neighing within the cave — hence the name “Masaiyan Temple” (Temple of the Neighing Horse in the Cliff).

Address: Eastern Foot of Mount Ma, Western Part of Chimei Subdistrict, Puning City, Jieyang City

Type: Temple