Hongji Temple

Hongji Temple

Hongji Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Also known as Gongzhong Temple, Hongji Temple is located atop Yinding Mountain in Shitun South Village, Yitang Town, more than 10 li west of Jiexiu City. The temple grounds include the Hongji Temple Pagoda, Gongzhong Slope, and the Heavenly King Hall. Historical records indicate that the temple was built in the 13th year of the Zhenguan era during the Tang Dynasty, established by Emperor Taizong after his victory over Liu Wuzhou in Fenzhou. Since its founding in the early Tang Dynasty, it was renovated during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, restored again in the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, gilded in the Qianlong era, and later survived several wars. The ancient pagoda atop Yinding Mountain is an octagonal, nine-story brick pagoda in the pavilion style. The Fen River flows in front of the mountain, creating a scene reminiscent of Yan'an's Pagoda Hill, leading locals to call it the "Little Yan'an."

In 1993, Jiexiu City intensified efforts to develop tourism resources, bringing new life to Hongji Temple. In addition to renovating the temple, the local area added new attractions such as a temple archway, an artificial waterfall, and the Deyue Pavilion. From several li away, visitors can see the ancient Hongji Temple Pagoda standing proudly atop Yinding Mountain, with the majestic pagoda complementing the flowing Fen River in front of the mountain.

In 2005, due to illegal mining by some coal mines that extended beyond their boundaries, the thousand-year-old Hongji Pagoda, originally built during the Tang Dynasty on Yinding Mountain, developed severe tilting. For safety reasons, the cultural relics department closed the Hongji Temple scenic area. Currently, restoration and protection work on the temple is underway, and it is expected to reopen soon.

Shitun South Village: Located at the southern end of Yitang Town, Jiexiu City, Shitun South Village sits at the foot of the historic Hongji Temple. It borders Bai’an Village to the south and Shitun North Village to the north, with National Highway 108 running through the village. The village boasts a rich cultural heritage, a prime location, and excellent transportation links. It currently has 410 households, a population of 1,116, covers an area of 4 square kilometers, and includes 876 mu of arable land, 498.94 mu of land returned to forest, and 100 mu of Fen River embankment forest. The main industries are agriculture and industry, with drought-resistant wheat and corn as the primary cash crops. The average annual income per capita is over 3,000 yuan.

In recent years…… Detailed information on Shitun South Village++