Antelope Pine Breeze

Antelope Pine Breeze

Introduction: On a crescent-shaped hillside to the south of Lingyang Village in Xuanhe Town, Zhongwei District, there stands a temple called Lingyang Temple. Covering an area of over 20 acres, the temple complex includes main structures such as the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, auxiliary halls, and a gate tower, all arranged along a central axis. The Mahavira Hall is the central structure of the temple, majestic in presence and grand in design, flanked by corridors and auxiliary halls, while the towering Heavenly King Hall opposite creates a harmonious visual echo. Though imposing, the temple does not feel isolated. In ancient times, there was a single pine tree at the foot of the temple steps—the only one in Zhongwei. In front of the temple lay gardens filled with jujube, pear, apricot, and peach trees. When the breeze rustled through the woods, the sounds of the wind in the trees blended with the whisper of the pine, evoking a sense of transcendent serenity. Hence, it earned the name “Antelope Pine Breeze.”

Lingyang Temple is nestled against a mountain and beside water, surrounded by three canals: Lingyangjiao, Lingyangdian, and Lingyangjia. The households here all have gardens, with fragrances wafting from every home, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a paradise on earth. The temple fair is held on the 20th day of the fourth lunar month, coinciding with the blooming of jujube flowers. The fragrance drifts for miles, intoxicating the hills and enchanting visitors. The flowing waters of several large canals seem to draw people in rather than flow away. Coupled with the beautiful legend of “Lingyang Striking the Horn,” the scenery here becomes even more captivating. An old county chronicle contains a poem that reads: “In spring, I seek out the finest scenery at Lingyang; the rustling pines sing long, layered refrains. Gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, all like paintings; I rest beneath the green shade, proud as the legendary Emperor Fuxi.”

Unfortunately, during the Cultural Revolution, Lingyang Temple was demolished by Red Guards bent on destroying the “Four Olds.” After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, with approval from the relevant departments of the former Zhongwei County, Lingyang Temple was designated once again as a site for Buddhist activities. After four years of reconstruction, a brand-new Lingyang Temple was completed.

Ningxia Zhongwei

Xuanhe Town: Xuanhe Town administers 19 village committees: Futang Village, Fuxing Village, Lingyang Village, Dongyue Village, Xuanhe Village, Heying Village, Jiuying Village, Zhaotan Village, Sanying Village, Zhanghong Village, Hongai Village, Matan Village, Wangyuan Village, Yonghe Village, Caoshan Village, Jingnong Village, Xigou Village, Danyang Village, and Caotai Village. … More details about Xuanhe Town++