Jindeng Temple Grottoes

Jindeng Temple Grottoes

Jindeng Temple Grottoes is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Jindeng Temple Grottoes

Jindeng Temple Grottoes (Sixth Batch National Heritage)

Era: Ming Dynasty

Address: On the summit of Linlu Mountain, east of Bei Quan Village, Xingcheng Town, Pingshun County

The renowned grotto temple—Jindeng Temple—is perched atop steep cliffs. The site features perilous terrain, sparse vegetation, with cliffs to the north and a deep valley to the south. The temple complex was carved following the natural contours of the mountain ridge, spanning from the Hongzhi to Jiajing eras of the Ming Dynasty, taking over 60 years to complete. The Jindeng Temple architectural complex consists mostly of structures exhibiting architectural styles from the Ming and Qing periods. Due to its location against steep cliffs to the north and above a deep valley to the south, the temple complex consists of seven courtyards extending from east to west, each with its own halls and forming an independent unit. Among them, the most distinctive hall is the Shuili Hall (Water-Land Hall), which has a flat ceiling adorned with carved square caisson ceilings, and beneath it lies a clear pool of water. Spanning the pool is a square-shaped stone bridge, connecting the left and right walls, the cave entrance, and the 50-centimeter-wide steps in front of the fan-shaped wall. Facing you on a high lotus pedestal sits the majestic Sakyamuni in a cross-legged posture, with Manjushri on the left and Samantabhadra on the right, both vividly rendered. The hall houses about 90 relief murals that are quite elegant and well arranged. The grottoes are the soul of Jindeng Temple—14 caves contain 37 niches and more than 500 cliff carvings. A few hundred meters north of the temple lies the Stone Pagoda Forest, which features 46 stupas of various sizes. The largest of these is the Thousand Buddha Pagoda, said to be the stupa of Jingzhen, the founding monk of Jindeng Temple.

Admission

Admission: 45 RMB

Location

On the summit of Linlu Mountain, east of Bei Quan Village, Xingcheng Town, Pingshun County

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit