Biluo Temple

Biluo Temple

Biluo Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Biluo Temple (Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Republic of China

Address: Nanlianshi Village, Bagong Town, Zezhou County

Established during the Northern Dynasties period, it underwent multiple renovations and expansions over time, ranking first among the Four Great Ancient Temples of ancient Zezhou. Its “Biluo Cloud-Reclining” view was ranked as the premier scenic wonder among the Eight Scenic Spots of ancient Zezhou.

The site currently preserves one Northern Qi Dynasty grotto, two Tang Dynasty grottoes, more than ten stone niches from the Tang and Wu Zhou periods, two ancient bridges from the Ming Dynasty, and over a hundred cliff inscriptions and steles from various dynasties spanning from the Northern Wei to the Republic of China. The earliest preserved inscription is a cliff engraving dated “Northern Wei Taihe First Year” (477 AD). Few ancient structures remain at Biluo Temple, and most of those that do date back to the Qing Dynasty.

The grottoes are distributed along the mountain cliffs, running east-west. The western grotto, carved in the “Great Qi Wuping Seventh Year,” features sculptures of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, disciples, and patrons. The middle grotto, excavated in the early Tang Dynasty, contains one Buddha, two disciples, two bodhisattvas, and two guardians. The eastern grotto, carved in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, includes one Buddha, two disciples, two bodhisattvas. There are a total of 64 small niches and 102 statues of varying sizes. The carvings are refined, elegant, and exquisitely crafted.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units