Jintang Temple

Jintang Temple

Jintang Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Jintang Temple, also known as Ciyun Temple, is located on the north side of Jinma Lake in Longshenghe Town, Dengkou County. It was built in the 20th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1681), making it the first Han Buddhist temple in the Hetao region. Between 1851 and 1862, the "Gelaohui" disrupted local life in Dengkou, setting fire to temples, and Ciyun Temple suffered severe damage. By 1901, it faced yet another catastrophe, leaving only ruins behind. In the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926), devotees strongly wished to rebuild the temple. Under the organization of local benefactor Li Huaiqi, the temple was reconstructed in 1930.

The Mahavira Hall of Jintang Temple features carvings of two dragons playing with a pearl, and its main wall is adorned with exquisitely painted murals. Smaller side halls are built on both sides, with wing rooms on the left and right—each wing having over ten rooms. On the 1.5-meter-wide clean platform inside the hall, five Buddha statues are covered in gold, clean and well-maintained. In 1989, with the assistance of the county government, the temple was rebuilt. Currently, the temple has six rooms with a total construction area of 108 square meters. The entire structure is majestic, and the temple grounds are serene and solemn. There are currently 19 lay Buddhists and 400 followers. During temple fairs, many come to chant scriptures, worship Buddha, and visit as tourists, creating a grand and magnificent atmosphere.

After the liberation, during the “Cultural Revolution,” the temple was destroyed once again. By 1980, after the implementation of the Party’s religious policy, lay Buddhists such as Li Guangjie, Zhou Jie, and Li Zhanxing raised funds to build several simple prayer halls made of wood and earth. In 1989, under the organization of lay Buddhists Li Guangjie and Zhou Jie, a new Ciyun Temple was constructed. The devotees elected Li Guangjie as the president. Ciyun Temple has fixed activity dates: the 15th day of the first lunar month for the Lantern Festival; the 8th day of the fourth lunar month for the Birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha; the 15th day of the seventh lunar month for the Buddha’s Joyful Day; the 19th day of the ninth lunar month for Guanyin’s Renunciation Festival; and the 17th day of the eleventh lunar month for Amitabha Buddha’s Birthday.