Niuxin Temple

Niuxin Temple

Niuxin Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Behind Niuxin Temple lies the Medicine King Cave, said to be where Sun Simiao once practiced alchemy in seclusion.

Niuxin Temple is located behind Qingyin Pavilion, on the mountainside of Niuxin Ridge, at an altitude of 958 meters.

Originally named Yanfu Monastery, it was renamed Wolun Temple by the Tang Dynasty Chan master Huitong. During the Song Dynasty, the Tripitaka Master Jiyeh rebuilt it. After several renovations, the temple now consists of the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, side rooms, and a dining hall.

Nestled deep within dense forests, Niuxin Temple enjoys a tranquil environment. In the past, many eminent monks came here to reside and study scriptures. Before the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, it was the essential route from Qingyin Pavilion to Hongchunping. At that time, the temple complex was grand in scale, but after the mountain hiking trail was rerouted through Baiyun Gorge, the temple gradually fell into disrepair.

At the foot of the hill behind Niuxin Temple lies the “Medicine King Cave,” believed to be the place where the “Medicine King” Sun Simiao gathered herbs and refined elixirs on Mount Emei. The cave is about 5 meters high, nearly 3 meters wide, and over 5 meters deep. Both the cave floor and entrance show clear signs of smoke and scorching, and the cave walls remain barren to this day—reportedly due to prolonged exposure to medicinal fumes.