Xiaoyi Puzhao Temple Scenic Area

Xiaoyi Puzhao Temple Scenic Area

Xiaoyi Puzhao Temple Scenic Area is a cultural tourism attraction.

In Xiaoyi, the Wujiling Ridge of Beichuan stretches for a hundred li to Xiabao, where a solitary peak rises abruptly, resembling a fledgling phoenix and known as Fengshan (Phoenix Mountain). There, verdant cypresses and pines flourish amid picturesque landscapes of lucid waters and lush mountains, and the treasured Puzhao Temple is nestled in the midsection of this mountain.

There are various legends about when Puzhao Temple was built. The iron bell in the bell and drum tower bears the reign title of “Jin Dading,” and according to inscriptions on the original temple steles, it was established during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, and underwent four major renovations during the Ming Wanli era, and the Qing Shunzhi, Kangxi, and Daoguang eras. In the 41st year of the Republic of China (1952), extensive construction took place, including the building of monks’ quarters and meditation rooms, as well as the restoration and repainting of the mountain gate and memorial archway.

At that time, the full layout of the temple complex was described in the 12th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1832) in the inscription on the reconstructed stele: “The Puzhao Temple in Xiabao has a Buddhist compound, atop which stands the Mahavira Hall, facing the Cui Fu Hall below, flanked on both sides by corridors housing the Medicine Buddha and the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. In the center rises the Five Buddhas Platform Tower, interconnected in all directions. To the north are the bell and drum towers, their sounds startling and enlightening, located in the Qian position, and the Wusheng Hall. To the east lies the Zhenjun Pavilion, while the east side houses monks’ quarters, and the west side has a field garden...” This describes the architectural overview of Puzhao Temple from the Jin and Yuan dynasties to the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), spanning over 800 years. However, after the turmoil of 1938 and the “demolish temples to build schools” campaign of 1959–1960, Puzhao Temple, having endured nearly a thousand years of history, saw all its structures dismantled, its former glory fading into obscurity.

Starting in 1999, Zhang Tiehu obtained the usage rights to Fengshan and led fellow devotees and villagers in planting trees around the mountain for several years. By today, Fengshan has regained its beauty, and springs have gradually become more abundant. In 2004, at the strong request of many Buddhist devotees, the Xiabao Village Committee submitted a report to the city’s Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau seeking approval to restore Puzhao Temple as a Buddhist activity site. Zhang Tiehu gathered local funds, raised money, and recruited volunteers to rebuild Puzhao Temple. After more than two years of effort, the ruins of the ancient temple regained their splendor, and the morning bells and evening drums once again echoed through the valley.

The new temple is divided into upper and lower courtyards. The upper courtyard houses the Mahavira Hall, which features camphor wood and white jade Buddha statues, enshrining the Buddhas of the Three Ages, with side halls dedicated to Guanyin and the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. The lower courtyard contains the Heavenly King Hall, with soaring eaves supported by bright pillars. To the left of the hall are the bell and drum towers, and the mountain gate is adorned with a three-bay, covered, and upturned-eave memorial archway. In front of the mountain gate are eighteen stone steps, symbolizing the eighteen beads of a Buddhist rosary. There are twenty-one monk rooms in the upper and lower courtyards, connected by steps.

Nestled against the mountain and beside the water, and shaded by pines and cypresses, Puzhao Temple stands majestic and solemn, exuding a unique charm and serene elegance. The restoration and construction of this temple will play a positive role in protecting the historical and cultural heritage of Xiaoyi City, promoting traditional Buddhist culture, developing tourism resources in the western region, and boosting related industries.

Tel: 0358-7828220

Address: Xiaoyi City, Lüliang, Shanxi Province