Niu Xian Temple

Niu Xian Temple

Niu Xian Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The cliff carvings at Niu Xian Temple are concentrated in the hills of Group 4, Bailong Village. The site spans approximately 150 meters from north to south, 100 meters from east to west, with cliffs about 20 meters high. According to a survey of cultural relics conducted in Jiajiang County during the 1980s, the entire collection of Buddhist figures among the cliff carvings consists of 254 niches, with over 3,400 carved statues. This number now makes it the stone-carved Buddhist art complex with the highest number of niches and Buddha statues in Jiajiang County.

The overall scale of the Niu Xian Temple cliff carvings is smaller than that of the Thousand Buddha Cliff, but the time period, scenes, figures, and content are largely the same as those at the Thousand Buddha Cliff. Most of the niches are square or rectangular with flat tops, with a few in the form of small pagoda shelters. Compared to the Thousand Buddha Cliff, the carvings on the northern cliff feature slightly smaller human figures. Notably, many niche frames are adorned with intricate floral relief carvings, featuring smooth and graceful lines. On the southern side of another cliff, the carvings are more grand in scale. One cave, locally referred to as the "Great Hall Cave," is carved into a cliff about ten meters high. The niche is slightly rectangular, about 2 meters high, 2 meters wide, and 1.5 meters deep. The Buddha statues inside are arranged in an orderly fashion, with distinct layers and uniform sizes. The inner three sides are densely packed with countless figures. Nearby, there is also a small pagoda-style niche. It stands about 2.5 meters tall overall and is painted, primarily in white. The main figure, seated in the lotus position and about 1.2 meters tall, is likely a statue of Guanyin. The carvings here depict themes such as the Pure Land transformation, the Three Ages of the Buddha, Thousand-Armed Guanyin, the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Guardians, and a central Buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas.

The construction date of the Niu Xian Temple cliff carvings is historically recorded as the Tang Dynasty. On the wall of niche No. 225, it is clearly inscribed: “One niche of the Eight Divisions was created by the disciple Du Jian and his wife Xiang, who dedicated this with all their devotion for offerings; later his wife Yang, son Yuanzhi, and wife Luo. The 2nd day of the 6th month of the 15th year of Yuanhe era (820 AD).” Here, “Yuanhe” refers to the reign title of Emperor Xianzong of Tang (Li Chun). Another niche, No. 220, is 1.7 meters high and 1.6 meters wide, with an inscription on the wall reading: “Completed on the 15th day of the 3rd month of the 15th year of Xiantong era (872 AD).” Niche No. 183 bears the inscription: “On the 23rd day of the 2nd month of the Shaoxing Bingyin year (1146 AD), Guanghan Zhong’ang came to visit.”

Legend has it that the Niu Xian Temple complex was once grand and was established by an accomplished monk. During the temple’s construction, oxen contributed significantly to the effort, and upon completion, they ascended to immortality. To this day, ox hoof prints believed to be divine marks can still be found among the rocks, and the place name “Ox Hide Valley” is derived from this legend. The ancient relics of Niu Xian have been praised by scholars as the eighth of the ten scenic spots of Jiajiang County. Yang Zhi of the Ming Dynasty (from Anlu, Hubei, a Jinshi scholar and serving as Deputy Surveillance Commissioner of Sichuan during the Longqing era, 1567–1572), wrote a poem titled *Niu Xian Ancient Relics*: *“The quiet monastery floats with white clouds, Ancient ox-shaped traces remain on sacred stones. Through dark moss and thick green, the marks endure, Amid swaying grass, none hear the call. In the east fields, where is the one who asked of the panting steed? At the southern path, whip cracks fade into tranquility. Musing atop the high ridge, my emotions remain unspent, Listening alone at dusk to the shepherd boy’s song.”* From this Ming-era poem by Vice Commissioner Yang, we learn that by his time, Niu Xian Mountain had already become known as an “ancient relic.” During the Tang Dynasty, when Buddhism flourished, monks, followers, and devotees built the temple over centuries and carved cliff statues nearby. One can imagine how prosperous and magnificent Niu Xian Temple must have been during the Tang and Song dynasties. The inscription in niche No. 183 confirms that even in ancient times, Niu Xian Temple and its cliff carvings were already a pilgrimage destination for visitors and worshippers from far and wide. Geographically, for a period, it was as renowned as nearby Bamboo Forest Temple in Yangchang Town, Danling County, and Great Qingliang Temple at the foot of Niu Xian Mountain, all celebrated temples in the region.

Some parts of the Niu Xian Temple cliff carvings have collapsed, with damage appearing rather chaotic—likely caused by earthquakes, though some may also be due to human activity. Aside from natural weathering, the remaining carvings are relatively well-preserved. There are also many fascinating legends associated with the site, including tales related to the Elder’s Cave and Elder’s Lake. Nearby, the cliff carvings of Dafo Cliff, as well as Eagle Beak Rock and Horse Saddle Rock, all come with their own captivating stories. Locals commonly refer to the area as “Fo’er Cliff.” In recent years, due to the greater number of Buddha statues here compared to the Thousand Buddha Cliff, some have started calling it “Ten Thousand Buddha Cliff.”