Guixin Temple

Guixin Temple

Guixin Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Guixin Temple is located in Guixin Village, Shuangfeng Town, Xichong County, Sichuan Province, 0.3 kilometers from Shuangfeng Town.

Originally built in the early Tang Dynasty, it was the practice site of the Fifth Patriarch of the Huayan School of Buddhism, Master Guifeng Zongmi. Renowned for its long history, the ancient temple has suffered multiple destructions throughout centuries. The current structures were rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple boasts a wealth of historical and cultural heritage, including over twenty murals celebrated for their exquisite artistry, finely crafted stone lions and elephants, as well as the tombstone of Abbot Daqing from 300 years ago. Covering an area of over thirty acres, the temple also features a thousand-year-old banyan tree in front, with a two-meter diameter and lush foliage. Inside the temple, there is also a poem left by Li Zhuang, a local scholar and the top imperial examination candidate (Gengchen Year) of the Qing Dynasty: “With green hills as its screen and waters winding round, the temple lies amid fields and green plains. / The tolling bells wake dreamers from their sleep, while the drumming fish drums dispel folly and vice. / At Guixin, worldly thoughts fade away, yearning for Amitabha’s Pure Land. / In this tranquil hall lies much delight, for here is truly the gate to Zen.” In the early years of the Republic of China, Wang Jingsheng, the then Magistrate of Bazhong County and a local resident, left another praising verse: “At Guifeng, the Huayan teachings unfold; / A pure mind nurtures lotuses bright. / True meditation springs from ultimate truth, / And all forms in the courtyard wear a compassionate face. / Where Buddha’s affinity guides all to enlightenment, / The Dharma frees people from suffering’s abyss. / With steadfast practice, chant the Buddha’s name diligently, / And wisdom shall soar beyond the ninth heaven.” In 1940, Shuangfeng Primary School was established in this temple. After the liberation, it became Shuangfeng Central Primary School. In 1987, it was listed as a cultural relic protection unit of Xichong County. In 1995, the school moved out. In November 2003, it was approved for opening by the Religious Affairs Bureau of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government as a legitimate Buddhist site, with the religious venue permit number (16) 060. In March 2009, it was listed as a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Protection scope: Extending outward from the building foundations — 60 meters to the southwest, 10 meters to the northeast, 8 meters to the northwest, and 12 meters to the southeast.

Construction control zone: An area extending 30 meters beyond the protected scope.

Construction control zone: 30 meters beyond the protected area boundary.