Qianxi Jinglian Temple

Qianxi Jinglian Temple

Jinglian Temple (formerly known as Kaiyuan Temple or Jade Emperor Pavilion) is located on the mountainside of Dongshan in the eastern suburbs of Qianxi County, covering an area of 2,500 square meters. It is the legendary "Ten Cypress Zen House" and one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Qianxi, renowned as a famous scenic attraction.

Dongshan is an extension of Lion Mountain, and the county town is embraced by a ring of hills. Since ancient times, the saying "Nine Lions Frolicking around Lotus City" has been passed down. Jinglian Temple is built at the mouth of a turning lion, resembling a shining pearl in the lion’s mouth. The site boasts majestic surroundings, with peaks standing opposite each other, streams flowing around the temple, and crystal-clear green water. Ancient trees tower around the temple, and some of the silver cypresses still remain. In front of the temple stands a 300-year-old ginkgo tree that is still lush with foliage and full of white fruit. Standing in front of the temple and looking out over the city, you can see rows of tall buildings, bustling traffic on wide cement roads, and the pavilions and towers of Shuixi Park to the east, tucked away among green trees. The natural scenery of the suburbs and the pastoral landscape are breathtaking, and the gentle breeze brings a refreshing sense of ease.

According to historical records, the predecessor of Jinglian Temple was Kaiyuan Temple. In the fifth year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1666 AD), the founding monk Tie She built the temple here, which has stood for 338 years to date. In his later years, he passed it on to his disciples Gui Yin and Zhi Yong. After Tie She passed away, he was buried on the mountain to the left, where his gravestone remains to this day. During the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Jade Emperor Pavilion was built on the original site of the temple, leading people to refer to Kaiyuan Temple as Jade Emperor Pavilion. Since the Republic of China era, Kaiyuan Temple has endured the test of time, with the temple structures having been largely destroyed. It was not until after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China that the county party committee and government earnestly implemented the Party’s religious policies, enabling the temple to be restored. In 1993, Master Huihai from Hongfu Temple on Qianling Mountain personally visited Qianxi, and named the restored temple "Jinglian Temple."

The main structure of Jinglian Temple—the Mahavira Hall—features couplets on its main gate with a balanced blend of strength and grace: “Green cypresses await guests to visit the Mahavira Hall on Dongshan; Ginkgo trees welcome visitors to behold the serene countenance of the Jinglian deities.” Inside the hall are statues of 28 figures including Sakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, the Three Saints of the West, and the Eighteen Arhats. In front of the hall are statues such as the monk Ji Gong, the Jade Buddha, and Skanda, each with distinct expressions, natural forms, and lifelike appearances. Below and to the east of the main hall lies a three-room bungalow.