Fugu Thousand Buddha Cave

Fugu Thousand Buddha Cave

The Thousand Buddha Cave is situated on the mountainside beneath the Grand South Gate of Fuzhou City in the eastern part of Fugu County. Rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era, it faces the Yellow River to the south, backs against rocky cliffs, overlooks the precipice, and has a clear view of Baode County in Shanxi Province across the way. Its dramatic location makes it a unique scenic attraction in Fugu. The original construction date of the Thousand Buddha Cave is unknown, but it was rebuilt in the 24th year of the Wanli era (1596) by Li Fengchun and others. In 1981, it was listed as a county-level cultural relics protection unit. On April 14th each year, the birthday celebration of the cave’s deity attracts a continuous stream of visitors and worshippers.

Covering a total area of 500 square meters with a built-up area of 400 square meters, the Thousand Buddha Cave currently consists of six caves, one Ancestral Master Hall, and caves arranged from west to east in sequence: The first cave is the Child-Giving Hall, measuring 4 meters in width, 3 meters in depth, and 2 meters in height, housing three statues of the Goddess of Mercy; the second cave is the Thousand Buddha Hall, measuring 4 meters in width, 5 meters in depth, and 3 meters in height, containing over a thousand Buddha statues of various sizes; the third cave is the Ancient Buddha Hall, with carved ceilings featuring floral, bird, and Bagua designs, enshrining three ancient Buddhas—Sakyamuni, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra; the fourth cave is the Monks’ Room, measuring 4 meters in width, 5 meters in depth, and 4 meters in height, providing rest space for traveling monks; the fifth cave is the Three Officials Hall, measuring 4 meters in width, 6 meters in depth, and 3 meters in height, featuring a wooden ceiling and housing three deities representing Heaven, Earth, and Water; the sixth cave is the Abbot’s Room, measuring 4 meters in width, 4 meters in depth, and 3 meters in height, serving as the residence of the temple’s head monk. The Ancestral Master Hall is built on the Xiaoyao Tower to the right of the entrance cave, enshrining a statue of Lü Dongbin (one of the Eight Immortals).

In 2010, Fugu County invested 3 million yuan to carry out renovation projects for the Thousand Buddha Cave and the cliff carvings at Wuhu Mountain. Over 40 inscriptions by renowned cultural figures such as Chen Zhongshi, Jia Pingwa, Xiao Yunru, and Gao Jianqun were collected, making it another major cultural and tourism landmark in Fugu.

Transportation Guide

Address: East Section of Tianfu Road, Fugu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province

Getting There: Within Fugu County, you can walk or take a taxi to the East Section of Tianfu Road to reach the site.