Rear Zhaomiao Liao Dynasty Grotto Temple

Rear Zhaomiao Liao Dynasty Grotto Temple

The Rear Zhaomiao Liao Dynasty Grotto Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The grottoes were carved into the steep southern-facing cliffs within the valley, with a grand hall in front of the caves spanning seven bays in width and three in depth. The grottoes are divided into central, southern, and northern caves, all of which are relatively well-preserved. In the central cave, the main statue is of the Nirvana of Sakyamuni Buddha, commonly known as the Reclining Buddha. On either side of the Buddha are statues of bodhisattvas and disciples, depicted in expressions of grief and tears, vividly rendered though now partially damaged. The southern cave contains carvings of Sakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and guardian warrior statues. The northern cave is divided into two smaller chambers—north and south. The northern chamber has sculptures similar to those in the southern cave, while on the lower sides of the Buddha statue in the southern chamber, there are relief carvings of donors dressed in Khitan attire. Beside them are a pair of guardian warrior reliefs with fierce expressions, wearing long boots, showcasing distinct local characteristics. On the rock faces at both sides of the valley entrance, there are also relief carvings of guardian warriors, each with a bold and rugged style. Above the entrance of the grottoes is an inscribed lintel reading “Temple of True Silence” (Zhenji Zhi Si), believed to be the name of the temple during the Liao Dynasty.

The Zhaomiao complex spans Lingyan Mountain, consisting of the Front Zhaomiao and the Rear Zhaomiao, with the grotto cluster located at the Rear Zhaomiao. In 2006, it was listed as part of the sixth group of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites. Today, parts of the ancient grottoes and the seven-bay grand hall built during the Qing Dynasty remain remarkably intact. To the east of the grand hall, a space was carved into a northeast-southwest oriented cliff face, facing southeast—an orientation that aligns with the Khitan people’s tradition of “facing the sunrise.” Standing outside the grottoes and looking up at Qindamuni Peak, one sees its towering, steep, and picturesque form. If attempting to climb from the eastern side, there is only one path: Yanwangdao (King Yama’s Path), a ravine formed over the years by rainwater erosion. This rugged and treacherous trail has earned its fearsome name. It’s said that ascending the mountain via Yanwangdao ensures a worry-free year. In front of the temple, the four Chinese characters “真寂之寺” (Temple of True Silence), carved in intaglio regular script, are clearly visible on the lintel. On the mid-slope of the steep mountain peak opposite the Zhaomiao complex, the red-painted characters “真寂之寺” can also be seen. These were inscribed onto the rock face by artisans in 1998.

To enter the grottoes, one must first pass through the Tibetan Buddhist monastery built adjacent to the grotto entrance—now known as the “Zhaomiao.” Since the two have become integrated, they are collectively referred to as the Zhaomiao Grotto Temple. The Zhaomiao is actually the Shanfu Temple, constructed in the early Qing Dynasty. According to historical records, during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, a lama named Zhamuyang Shidaba arrived at Lingyan Mountain from Ta’er Monastery in Qinghai. Impressed by the spiritual aura and auspicious landscape, especially the ancient and mysterious grottoes carved by the Liao people, the lama decided to stay and planned to establish a temple for Buddhist worship. One midnight, a beam of white light reportedly shot out from the top of the Reclining Buddha inside the grotto, penetrating the mountain rock and radiating in all directions from the Peach Stone atop the mountain. This further strengthened the lama’s resolve to build a temple. He then proposed to the Balin Zasak that Lingyan Mountain and its neighboring peaks, like Mount Wutai in Shanxi, are sacred Buddhist mountains, and temples should be built here to ensure favorable weather, prosperity, and peace for the people.