Goosefeather Temple

Goosefeather Temple

Goosefeather Temple is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

Goosefeather Temple is located two kilometers south of Lipu County. Nestled among rolling mountains, embraced by flowing waters, and home to deep caves, it boasts breathtaking scenery and is considered the most scenic attraction in the county.

The Goosefeather Zen tradition has a long history, with the temple originally built during the Tang Dynasty. The great Tang poet Liu Yuxi once said, “A mountain need not be high—it is famous so long as there is an immortal on it; a lake need not be deep—it has spiritual power as long as there is a dragon in it.” According to the Lipu County Annals from the third year of the Republic of China, in the Shao...

...Xing period of the Song Dynasty, during a summer of severe drought when crops were withering under the scorching sun, local villagers prayed for rain at Goosefeather Zen Temple. Miraculously, their prayers were answered. Though the skies were clear and blazing hot, after the incense burning ceremony, dark clouds gathered, thunder rumbled, and a torrential rain poured down...

...across the entire county, saving the parched crops and bringing them back to life. That year’s early harvest was abundant. The story of the “Goosefeather Prayer Answered” has been passed down through the ages. The county annals also record that Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty, spent many years secretly teaching scriptures in Lipu County. Thanks to its Buddhist roots and the legendary tale of answered prayers, Goosefeather Zen Temple became widely renowned. Throughout history, the temple has been celebrated for its elegant surroundings and spiritually responsive deities. Countless scholars, artists, and devout pilgrims have visited, drawn by its beauty and sacred atmosphere.

After the 1970s, following several years of restoration approved by local authorities, Goosefeather Zen Temple was completely revitalized. Its magnificent Buddhist halls shine brilliantly. Lifelike golden statues of serene and dignified Buddhas display exquisite craftsmanship. Numerous historic couplets and poems composed by literati over the centuries remain preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. There is also the ancient “Rice-Producing Cave,” where a small hole in the stone wall is said to have once released rice. The amount of rice that flowed out was just enough to feed the monks and nuns—never more, never less. Legend says a greedy layperson, tempted by the miracle, secretly widened the hole one night, hoping for endless riches. But once the hole was enlarged, the rice stopped flowing altogether. Visitors are captivated by the temple’s legends, historic inscriptions, poetic verses, and stunning surroundings.

Since 1987, when the county government officially approved the resumption of Buddhist activities at the temple, Venerable Master Jing has served as abbot. Morning bells and evening drums mark the daily spiritual routines, and Buddhist teachings continue to flourish. In recent years, the temple has seen a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists from all over, making it a renowned destination for both spiritual practice and sightseeing.

Goosefeather Temple is divided into upper and lower levels. The first major statue is that of Maitreya Buddha (the Laughing Buddha), who sits cross-legged with an exposed belly, a serene smile, and a carefree expression.

He seems to say to everyone: may all beings

let go of their worries and laugh heartily. Ascending a few more steps leads to the Kṣitigarbha Hall. Further up is the Mahavira Hall, where Guanyin Bodhisattva sits at the center—compassionate and benevolent, she rescues beings from suffering and guides them to enlightenment. Her noble spirit is deeply revered. The Mahavira Hall also houses statues of the great generals Dhritarashtra and Guan Yu. On either side of the hall sit the Eighteen Arhats, each with unique postures and expressions. Beside the Arhats are the Dragon and Tiger guardians. The uppermost level is the newly built Jade Buddha Hall, which enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva. Inside the Dragon Cave are statues of Bodhidharma, Huineng, and Linji, three great masters. Goosefeather Temple is one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Lipu.