Jixiang Temple on Mount Wutai

Jixiang Temple on Mount Wutai

Jixiang Temple on Mount Wutai is a cultural tourism attraction.

Jixiang Temple on Mount Wutai features some of the finest Buddhist statues.

There are many Jixiang Temples around the world, mainly in China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. In China, the main ones include: Jixiang Temple in Wutai, Shanxi; Jixiang Temple in Lingchuan, Shanxi; Jixiang Temple in Gutian, Fujian; Jixiang Temple in Jiedong, Guangdong; Jixiang Temple in Chao'an, Guangdong; Jixiang Temple in Chengwu, Shandong; Jixiang Temple in Pixian, Sichuan; Jixiang Temple (an ancient temple) in Chaoyang District, Beijing; Jixiang Temple at the Tang Dynasty Imperial Examination Hall; Fuhui Jixiang Temple, among others. In Japan, the most notable is Tokyo’s Jixiang Temple (a shopping hotspot). In South Korea, the main one is Seoul’s Jixiang Temple.

Located on the mountainside of the central peak of the Wutai Mountain Range in Shanxi. The temple sits at an altitude of 2,440 meters, enjoying a cool climate. A bridge outside the temple called the “Cooling Bridge” contributes to its reputation for coolness. It is said to have been originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. According to the *Records of Cooling Mountain*, it was rebuilt during the Tang Dynasty by Monk Entan, and has been renovated in successive dynasties.

Originally named Ancient Buddha Nunnery, it is located on the creek at the southern foot of the central peak, in Jixiang Gully, Fuzhuang Village, Chapu Township, Fanshi County. It was first established in the Tang Dynasty, rebuilt by Monk Entan, and later maintained by Monk Lichen. During the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, Nun Jingyu replaced the nunnery structure with an iron-tiled hall.

At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Monk Sanmei began to transmit precepts here. In the third year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1725), the imperially appointed administrator of Mount Wutai, Sakya Chen Pen Ding, renovated the temple buildings. Later, Master Nenghai, president of the Buddhist Association, propagated the precepts and monastic discipline here, leading to it also being known as the Jixiang Vinaya Monastery.

The temple faces south and covers an area of 2,600 square meters. To the north lies Arhat Screen, and to the south, the Dharma Platform. The eastern and western peaks spread out like wings, with waterfalls and springs flowing from above, surrounded by exotic flowers and fragrant green grass. Visitors to this place often come to pay their respects.

Address: Inside Mount Wutai Scenic Area, Wutai County, Xinzhou City

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0350-6345678; 13673787821

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Admission is included in the Mount Wutai ticket.