Qixia Ancient Temple

Qixia Ancient Temple

Qixia Ancient Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally built during the Tang Dynasty. In the ninth year of the Tianbao era (750 AD), the eminent monk Jianzhen visited the temple with his disciples during his time in Guilin to preach. In the seventeenth year of the Yuanshi era under the Yuan Dynasty, the Taoist priest Tang Dachun rebuilt the site and converted it into the Quanzhen Taoist Observatory. In the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Shoufo Nunnery. In the eighth year of the Shunzhi era under the Qing Dynasty, the Linji school monk Hóngróng resided at the temple. He devoted himself entirely to the cause, soliciting donations from all over, and after thirty-three years of effort, restored Qixia Temple on the foundation of the Shoufo Nunnery, transforming it into a major Buddhist temple in southwestern China. During the Anti-Japanese War, the main hall was destroyed by wartime bombings. The reconstruction of the new temple was made possible through the strong support of Guilin Tourism Development Corporation. Adhering to Buddhist rituals and drawing inspiration from renowned temples, careful planning led to the temple’s completion on September 28, 2002.

The newly restored Qixia Temple is situated at the western foot of Putuo Mountain within the Seven Star Park, covering an area of approximately 18,000 square meters with a construction area of 3,315 square meters. Its main structures adopt the elegant architectural style of the flourishing Tang Dynasty, featuring grand bracket sets (dougong) and deep eaves. Facilities include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Scripture Depository. The northern section of the central axis employs landscaping techniques of the Jiangnan gardens, integrating winding corridors, pathways, and the White Lotus Pond organically with the Vegetarian Dining Hall, Buddhist Art Hall, Abbot’s Courtyard, and Listening-to-the-Moon Pavilion. In front of the temple stands a statue of Hóngróng, the founding patriarch of the first generation of Qixia Temple in the Linji school, symbolizing the Buddhist spirit of “glorifying the nation and bringing joy to all sentient beings.” The main hall houses Tang Dynasty-style Buddha and Bodhisattva statues characterized by “gentle dignity” and “plump grace,” along with 16 uniquely expressive Arhat sculptures. There is also a massive relief sculpture inspired by the Mogao Grottoes’ “Western Pure Land Transformation,” an exquisitely carved white marble Guanyin statue that is pure, radiant, and full-bodied, as well as four Tang Dynasty-style guardian kings modeled after ancient warriors. All of these elements together create the distinctive Buddhist culture of Qixia Temple.

On Buddhist festival days, Venerable Shi Dayue, the abbot of Qixia Temple, presides over ceremonies to offer teachings and answer questions for visiting worshippers.