Baohua Temple on Mount Wutai

Baohua Temple on Mount Wutai

Baohua Temple on Mount Wutai is a cultural heritage site protected by Wutai County.

Baohua Temple on Mount Wutai is located about 400 meters northeast of Yangpodao Village, Taihuai Town, Wutai County. According to the *Records of Mount Qingliang*, the temple was originally built during the Ming Dynasty by a monk named Zhengcan. It was first called Zahuayan, serving as a quiet retreat in the monastic woods. In the 50th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1711), it was rebuilt by a monk named Qinxing. During the Guangxu period (1875–1908), it was renamed Baohua Temple. The current Baohua Temple was reconstructed in 1986 by the Venerable Master Yanlin and retains the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty.

The temple features a well-organized layout and grand structures. It faces south and measures 50.38 meters from east to west, 85.27 meters from north to south, covering an area of 4,296 square meters. Along the central axis are three main halls: the Heavenly King Hall, the Manjushri Hall, and the Mahavira Hall. Behind the Heavenly King Hall stands a famous Buddhist stupa—the Rangfu Buddha Wooden Pagoda, also known as the Tibetan Flying Pagoda. In December 2007, it was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site by the Wutai Mountain Scenic Area government.

In the courtyard between the Great Heavenly King Hall and the Manjushri Hall, there stands a tall Rangfu Buddha Mother Pagoda. This is the pagoda built during the Qianlong era by a monk named Gelong Zunzhui, modeled after Nepal’s “Khyilung Khagyed Stupa.” The pagoda is ten meters high and is designed in the form of a Vajra Throne White Pagoda. Between the base and the dome of the main tower are many representations of the Rangfu Buddha, hence the name Rangfu Buddha Mother Pagoda. Legend has it that the base of the “Khyilung Khagyed Stupa” flew to Tibet, the main body to Ta’er Monastery in Xining, and the spire to Mount Wutai. This tale reflects the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in Mount Wutai, tracing back to Nepal, Tibet, and Qinghai—making this pagoda a place of reverence. It is located in Targou, about 3.5 kilometers north of Taihuai Town on Mount Wutai, backed by North Platform, flanked by mountains to the east and west, and facing south with an open view.

Baohua Temple, originally named Zahuayan, was established by the Ming Dynasty monk Master Zhengcan as a Huayan (Avatamsaka) practice center. In the 50th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the Sakyong Dazang Danbei reconstructed the temple, turning it into a Gelug (Yellow Hat) practice site. In the 29th year of the Guangxu reign, it was officially named “Baohua Temple” with a plaque hung. In 1990, the abbot Master Yanlin added new structures including the Heavenly King Hall, Manjushri Hall, east and west monks’ quarters, and a stupa. In 1998, he built the magnificent Mahavira Hall. The present-day Baohua Temple faces south and features along its central axis, from south to north: the Heavenly King Hall (also the mountain gate), the Manjushri Hall, and the Mahavira Hall.

Shanxi Province, Xinzhou City

Yangpodao Village: Located in the northern part of our town, Yangpodao Village is away from the central scenic area and has long been known for its simple folkways and beautiful natural scenery of clear waters and green mountains. The village committee of Yangpodao includes three natural villages: Miaoding’an, Caodi Village, and Yangpodao Village, as well as several small temples. In recent years, under the correct leadership of higher authorities, the village committee has united and strived, leveraging the geographical advantage of being close to the Mount Wutai Scenic Area. Through self-reliance and hard work, the entire community has achieved rapid economic development. …… More details about Yangpodao Village ++