Zijin Wanshou Temple

Zijin Wanshou Temple

Zijin Wanshou Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located on the mountainside of Tianzizhang, this temple was established during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. It was originally founded by Monk Xingzong and named "Xianshou Nunnery." In the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign (1684) during the Qing Dynasty, it was renovated, covering a construction area of about 150 square meters. In the 40th year of the Wanli era (1616), County Magistrate Zhang Guohu visited and renamed it Wanshou Nunnery. The temple gate still preserves a renovation stele inscribed with the couplet: “Soaring a thousand zhang from the earth, towering above all peaks; rising five chi toward the sky, proudly marking the nobility of a single ridge.” The Buddhist hall features another couplet: “The Buddha’s teachings are profound, like clouds hanging over mountain peaks—walk to the peak and the clouds drift farther away; the wisdom of Zen is boundless, like the moon floating on water—stir the water and the moon sinks deeper still.” To the left of the nunnery lies a massive rock formation known as “Immortal Rock.” Beneath it is a winding natural cave. Legend has it that Zhong Dingxian, the top scholar of the Ming Dynasty who failed in his attempt to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming, once lectured and preached here, naming the site “Confucius Cave.” The cave walls bear an inscription of a couplet by Zhong Dingxian: “The sounds of springs, birds, bells, and drums—all are illusions; the colors of mountains, waters, trees, and grass—all are emptiness.” In the late Qing Dynasty, Lan Xiangmei, a selected scholar from Qingxi, invited literati to form the “Nine Elders Society” at Xianshou Nunnery, where they gathered to compose poetry and share literary works. Surrounded by overlapping ridges and lush forests, Wanshou Nunnery enjoys pleasant scenery. In 2007, the nunnery underwent renovation and was renamed “Wanshou Temple,” with a road now leading up to the temple.