Anchan Temple

Boundless Temple

Boundless Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Boundless Temple

Boundless Temple (Sixth Batch of National Heritage Sites)

Era: Song to Qing Dynasties

Address: Inside Puci Temple, southwestern corner of Taigu County

The temple site was originally Baita Village. During the Northern Qi Dynasty, the county seat was relocated here. The temple was founded in the eighth year of the Taishi era of the Jin Dynasty (272 AD), originally named Boundless Temple. It was renovated during the Zhiping era of the Northern Song Dynasty and renamed “Puci Temple.” In the fifth year of the Yuanyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1090), further renovations were carried out, and a pagoda was built in the temple. The top features a stone stupa of the Usnisa Victory Banner, which remains white despite aging, hence it is commonly known as the White Pagoda. The structure underwent multiple repairs during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Among the existing buildings, apart from the pagoda, which dates back to the Song Dynasty, all others were constructed during the Qing Dynasty.

The pagoda has an octagonal floor plan, seven stories, and is 43 meters high. It is a hollow pavilion-style tower. Each level features eaves, beneath which are bracket sets. The design of the niches on each level is similar, and they house ancient clay sculptures. The entrance to the lower part is on the southern side, while the upper levels have windows, allowing sunlight to illuminate the interior. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the county town.

Address: Southwestern corner of Taigu County, Shanxi Province

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units