Old An Temple on Wolong Mountain

Old An Temple on Wolong Mountain

Old An Temple on Wolong Mountain is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism site.

Old An Temple is located on the mountainside of Wolong Mountain northeast of Fu Chuan Village in Gongmen Town. Originally named Wolong Temple and commonly known as Upper Temple, it was first built during the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty as a Buddhist monastery. This thousand-year-old temple has experienced three periods of flourishing and decline but remains active to this day. Historical records indicate that in the 12th year of the Zhi Zheng era (1352) under Yuan Emperor Huizong, due to earthquakes in areas such as Qinzhou, landslides occurred, causing the collapse of the temple buildings and the dispersal of monks. In the 16th year of Zhi Zheng (1356), it was rebuilt. In the 7th year of the Guangxu era (1881) during the Qing Dynasty, heavy rains caused flash floods in the area of Gongmen (now Gongmen in Zhangchuan) in Qingshui County, which destroyed the temple buildings and led to the monks fleeing. It was rebuilt again in the 10th year of Guangxu (1884). By the Republican era, Old An Temple had taken shape in scale and was listed as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots” of Qingshui County, earning the praise of “Wolong Mountain’s scenery is the most beautiful under heaven.” In 1958 and during the Cultural Revolution, religious activities were restricted and the monks were secularized. After 1979, it was reconstructed once more, and after more than 20 years of restoration and maintenance by Abbot Jing Xian and devoted lay followers, the thousand-year-old temple has finally regained its former glory.

The reconstructed Old An Temple covers a total area of 300 acres. It mainly consists of one gate, five courtyards, eight halls, three caves, and seven pagodas. The entire architectural complex is arranged along the natural terrain of Wolong Mountain, terraced along ascending platforms. The halls, towers, and pavilions are well laid out, with Buddha pagodas of various sizes scattered throughout. The architectural style embodies the profound cultural traditions of the Chinese nation and boasts significant historical and cultural value.

Old An Temple is not only one of the larger Buddhist monasteries in Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County but also a scenic site where nature and human culture blend harmoniously. In recent years, tens of thousands of trees have been newly planted on the mountain, creating lush greenery around the temple that blends seamlessly with the surrounding verdant peaks, forming a renowned attraction where religion, culture, and picturesque scenery complement each other.

Old An Temple in Gongmen Town, Zhangjiachuan County

Address: Fu Chuan Village, Gongmen Town, Zhangchuan County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province

Fu Chuan Village: Fu Chuan Village…… More information about Fu Chuan Village++