Fèngshèng Temple (Shífāng Fèngshèng Chán Temple)

Fèngshèng Temple (Shífāng Fèngshèng Chán Temple)

Fèngshèng Temple (Shífāng Fèngshèng Chán Temple) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Also known as Fèngshèng Ancestral Hall, the full name of the temple is Shífāng Fèngshèng Chán Temple. It is located south of the Jìncí complex, in the southwestern suburbs of Tàiyuán City. Originally a villa belonging to Tang Dynasty general Yùchí Jìngdé, the property was later converted into a Buddhist temple under the influence of Buddhism. In the fifth year of the Wǔdé era of the Tang Dynasty (622 AD), Emperor Gāozǔ Liúyuán bestowed upon it the name “Shífāng Fèngshèng Chán Temple.”

Historical records suggest that the temple faces east. Having undergone renovations over various dynasties, it was once a grand complex consisting of three courtyards arranged from front to back. It included a front hall, bell and drum towers, a left wing hall known as the Qiélán Hall housing statues of ancient deities, Qiélán gods, and the statue of Prince É of Guó, as well as a right wing hall serving as the Ancestors’ Hall, featuring a statue of Bodhidharma, the first patriarch, and those of two Zen masters, Yuánjué and another.

The rear section of the temple has largely been ruined, with only the Shèlì Shēngshēng Pagoda in the northern stupa courtyard surviving. Built during the Sui Kāihuáng era, the pagoda was renovated in the Song Dynasty and reconstructed in the 16th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1751 AD). It is an octagonal seven-story structure over 30 meters tall. Each level features doors on four sides and is surrounded by glazed balustrades for visitors to lean on while enjoying the view. From the top, the landscape of Jìn and Fén can be seen in full. “Pagoda Bathed in Sunset Glow” is one of the Eight Scenic Views outside Jìncí.

Address: Inside Jìncí Park at the foot of Xuánwèng Mountain, along Provincial Highway 039 (Jìncí Road), Jìncí Town, Jìnyuán District, Tàiyuán City

Type: Historic site, temple, ancient pagoda

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Opening hours:

Jìncí opening hours: Peak season (April–October): 8:00–18:00; Off-season (November–March of the following year): 8:30–17:00.

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Admission is included in the Jìncí scenic area ticket. Jìncí ticket: 95 RMB (peak season), 75 RMB (off-season).