Liulin Xiangyan Temple

Liulin Xiangyan Temple

Liulin Xiangyan Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xiangyan Temple, commonly known as Pigeon Temple, is located on a hill in the northeastern part of Liulin County, Shanxi Province. Surrounded by fragrant cypresses that emit a refreshing aroma, the temple exudes a solemn, serene, majestic, and sacred atmosphere.

In front of the temple, the rippling waters of the Douqi River embrace it, while the lush Buddha Pagoda Mountain stands behind, nestling the temple within a verdant, picturesque landscape. Additionally, the Ming Dynasty-era Yuxu Palace, situated on the slopes of Qinglong Baoning Mountain, complements the ancient Xiangyan Temple with its splendor.

The temple faces south and is surrounded by fortress-like walls. It is divided into seven courtyards and twelve halls, comprising over 120 shrines of various sizes, covering an area of 6,160 square meters. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, the existing structures showcase Yuan Dynasty architectural techniques, making it a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The temple complex is grand in scale with a rigorous layout. The halls are densely arranged, and the Buddhist chambers are ordered by height. The main buildings feature various roof styles including hip-and-gable, suspended, and flush gable roofs, adorned with colorful glazed tiles that create a magnificent ambiance. Along the central axis are the Mountain Gate Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Passing Hall, Mahavira Hall, Vairocana Hall, Ten Kings Hall, along with auxiliary structures on both sides, forming an ancient architectural complex primarily from the Yuan Dynasty, complemented by Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings.

Legend has it that the temple houses three treasures: the iron pole hao beam, the wind-milled bronze Buddha statue, and the pigeons at the mountain gate. The wind-milled bronze Buddha, about one meter tall, is enshrined in the main hall. Whenever it shows signs of rust, it can be moved to the courtyard, where exposure to the wind restores its shine, returning it to a golden, brand-new appearance. In the early years of the Republic of China (1912), an antique dealer offered 2,000 silver dollars for it, but the monks, treasuring its value, stored it in a cabinet, keeping it hidden from public view.

The iron pole hao beam is approximately thirty feet long and about twenty-five centimeters in diameter. It is placed horizontally and vertically among the beams of the main hall. This rare and unique wood is seldom seen in history, and visitors often rush to see it as soon as they arrive, marveling at this extraordinary sight.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units