Guangxiang Temple in Langzhong

Guangxiang Temple in Langzhong

Guangxiang Temple in Langzhong is a Major National Historical and Cultural Site.

Guangxiang Temple in Langzhong was originally the famous Kaiyuan Temple of the Tang Dynasty, built in the early Tang period, taking its name from the commemoration of the founding era. Historical records indicate that it remained the largest temple in Langzhong until the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Over time, however, Kaiyuan Temple fell into ruin. In 1496, Prince Shou Hu was enfeoffed in Baoning and built a princely mansion in the western city. He relocated the early Ming-period Guangxiang Temple to the site of the former Kaiyuan Temple and reconstructed it. This move elevated Guangxiang Temple to become the largest monastery in Bazhong.

In its heyday, Guangxiang Temple was grand in scale. It stood against the Star-Observing Terrace, faced the Jialing River, and had its entrance beside a murmuring stream. Surrounded by thousands of green bamboo trees forming a shaded grove, the environment was extremely tranquil and serene. Strolling through it, one could feel the Zen charm expressed in the saying, “Fragrance wafts often onto the Buddha’s seat; fallen leaves never reach scripture windows.” Yan Song, Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty, once inscribed a plaque reading “Buddha’s Capital,” which hung in front of the main hall. Guangxiang Temple flourished as a place of worship, often frequented by poets and scholars. Since then, it has been an important site for Buddhist activities. Unfortunately, during the Republican era, the fourth main structure—the Scripture Depository—was destroyed in a great fire, along with over 800 volumes of scriptures once housed within. Legend says the temple also contained two large bronze seated Buddha statues left behind from Kaiyuan Temple. Weighing about 600 jin, standing 4 chi 7 cun tall, and 5 chi wide at the base, these statues were not only benevolent and dignified in appearance but also exquisitely cast, showcasing high artistic value. These statues were later moved to Huanhou Shrine, where they were damaged during wartime.

The architecture of Guangxiang Temple reflects the distinct style of Ming Dynasty construction. From the surviving structures such as the Arhat Hall and the Heavenly King Hall, we can still appreciate the achievements of the era’s architecture and the refined craftsmanship.

The Songhua Well was dug in the year 621 AD and has long served as the water source for monks of both Kaiyuan Temple and Guangxiang Temple. With its elegant design, abundant water supply, crystal-clear and sweet-tasting water that boils without leaving residue, the well has provided water continuously throughout the years. It is also known as the “Octagonal Mirror.”

Legend has it that Tanxian, the abbot of Guangxiang Temple, once built a pavilion over the ancient well and invited a local official to compose the “Inscription of the Ancient Songhua Well,” mystifying the well’s water and calling it “the Sweet Dew Water of Guanyin Bodhisattva.” This attracted people seeking to cure illnesses by drinking it, and it proved surprisingly effective. Whether this legend is true remains unverifiable, but modern atomic spectroscopy analysis confirms that Songhua Well water is rich in copper and low in cadmium. It is a sandstone fissure spring. The “Baoning Vinegar” brewed using this water is mellow and fragrant, ranking as one of China's four great vinegars, beloved domestically and abroad, and contains almost no harmful bacteria.

Protected Area: South to Gongyuan Road, north to the old workshop of the vinegar brewery, east to the foundation wall of the 10,000-ton workshop, west to the flower bed on the west side of the factory road.

Construction Control Zone: Extending 30 meters southward beyond the protected area, and 50 meters outward to the east, west, and north.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites