Moonlight Pool at Mount Wutai

Moonlight Pool at Mount Wutai

Moonlight Pool at Mount Wutai is a cultural heritage site protected by Wutai County.

Moonlight Pool at Mount Wutai, also known as Guanhai Temple, is located about 1,600 meters north of Huangtuzu Village, Taihuai Town, Wutai County. Facing south, it stretches 62 meters from east to west and 41 meters from north to south, covering an area of 2,542 square meters. According to the Ming Dynasty’s *Qingliang Mountain Annals*, it was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was renovated during the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1465–1487) and in the 54th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1715). Except for the newly built east wing courtyard and wooden memorial archway, all other structures date back to the Qing Dynasty.

The temple features a single-courtyard layout, with structures arranged along the central axis: a wooden memorial archway, the Heavenly King Hall, and the Vajra Hall (also called the Hall of the Secret Vajra Manifestations). On both sides are side gates and auxiliary halls, with a cross-courtyard located on the east side. The Vajra Hall sits on a stone base that is 13.35 meters wide, 9.8 meters deep, and 0.84 meters high. The hall has three bays in width and five rafters in depth, featuring a front double-eave and rear single-eave hip-and-gable roof. It follows a six-rafter front porch structural system. The front eaves have double-layered bracket sets on both upper and lower levels. The hall's columns, arches, and brackets are well-preserved. The front eave columns feature carved dragon motifs, while the gable walls are adorned with brick carvings of Guanyin, Manjushri, and other deities. The interior houses a shrine containing a golden-bodied statue of Vajrapani. The main Buddha statue is flanked by two disciples and two bodhisattvas. The temple also preserves three steles documenting repairs carried out during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it underwent renovations in recent years. In July 1988, it was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site by the People’s Government of Wutai County. (*Compilation of Cultural Relics from Xinzhou*)

Source: Xinzhou Network

Taihuai Town: Originally situated in the central part of Mount Wutai along the Qingshui River, Taihuai Town got its name from being surrounded by five peaks. Nearby lies the renowned Mount Wutai temple complex. During the early Qing Dynasty, Taihuai served as an imperial retreat, where emperors such as Kangxi and Qianlong stayed during their many tours. As a local market town, Taihuai welcomes countless tourists and merchants every year. ... More detailed information about Taihuai Town ++