Guangshan Temple and Kuixing Pavilion

Guangshan Temple and Kuixing Pavilion

Guangshan Temple and Kuixing Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Guangshan Temple and Kuixing Pavilion (Yuanba District)

1. Guangshan Temple

Guangshan Temple was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and faces south with a northward orientation. It consists of three courtyards and was originally an altar established by Indian monks Zhu Falan and Kashyapamata, slightly later than the White Horse Temple in Luoyang. It is among the second wave of Buddhist temples constructed in China’s inland areas and is a renowned Zen monastery where monks from northern Sichuan took their monastic vows. The existing temple was rebuilt in the second year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1910 AD) and has been preserved to this day. The temple houses nationally precious cultural relics such as the Song Dynasty stone-carved Nine Dragons Stele. Chengdu Zhaojue Temple and Suining Guangde Temple share deep historical ties with it, having contributed funds for its construction at various times, and both regard Guangshan Temple as their principal ancestral temple.

Protected area: Extends south to the first step in front of the main gate, east to 1 meter from the adjacent street, westward about 50 meters to the foot of the mountain, and northward 20 meters.

Construction control zone: Extends 10 meters beyond the protected area.

2. Kuixing Pavilion

Kuixing Pavilion, also known as Kuixing Tower, was first built in the third year of the Yongjian era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (128 AD), located at the intersection of the north-south and east-west axes of the ancient Berlin Street. It is named after the deity Kuixing, who is believed to “bestow literary fortune and crown top scholars.” The pavilion has undergone multiple renovations over the dynasties, with the current structure dating back to the seventh year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1742 AD). The tower stands 15 meters tall with three levels: the top level enshrines Kuixing, the middle level serves as a theater stage, and the bottom level was part of the ancient post road. With its unique design, upturned eaves, majestic and classic appearance, it attracts scholars from a thousand miles around who come to worship here, giving rise to the saying, “Since ancient times, literary talent had no sure proof—may only the stroke of Kuixing’s brush bring success.”

Protected area: The site extends 5 meters southward and 5 meters northward.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Sichuan Province