Golden Flower Mountain and Huishan Temple

Golden Flower Mountain and Huishan Temple

Golden Flower Mountain and Huishan Temple are cultural tourism attractions.

Fifteen kilometers east of Lingyuan City, along National Highway 306 to the east lies the Golden Flower Mountain Scenic Area, characterized by steep slopes, towering peaks, lush vegetation, and breathtaking scenery.

Golden Flower Mountain, anciently known as Golden Yellow Mountain, consists of ten peaks encircling a main peak, resembling stars surrounding the moon. It serves as the boundary mountain between Wulanbai in Lingyuan and Kazuo County. The highest peak stands at an elevation of 919 meters. The peaks rise sharply, their tips as if carved, with grotesque rocks scattered about like crouching tigers and coiled dragons. On the side of the main peak is a stone cave that has housed a Guanyin Hall since two hundred years ago. Below the cave is a spring of remarkable uniqueness, flowing year-round regardless of season. To the west of the main peak lies a temple. Emperor Shengzu of the Qing Dynasty bestowed upon it the name “Huishan Temple.”

Speaking of the history of Golden Flower Mountain and its temples, the earliest documented account comes from the 37th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty (1772 AD), when Hadaqingge, the Tongpan (administrative judge) of Tazigou Subprefecture, visited the area and recorded: “Golden Yellow Mountain is located 35 li southeast of Tazigou. From afar, the mountain appears golden yellow, hence its name. It spans roughly seventy li in circumference. On the mountain there is a stone cave, eight chi wide and one zhang deep. In the tenth year of Qianlong’s reign, a monk named Luobo built a single Guanyin Hall within the cave, and constructed two living quarters on either side outside the cave. Southwest of the cave entrance, less than one li away, within a crevice in the rocks, there is a spring that flows continuously all year, without ceasing in winter or summer, nor varying in volume.” This shows that Golden Flower Mountain was highly favored at the time for its beautiful scenery, naturally formed caves, and ever-flowing springs, especially in the arid and rain-scarce mountainous region of western Liaoning. By the tenth year of Qianlong’s reign, monks had already selected the site to build the Guanyin Hall and monastic quarters. As the temples on Golden Flower Mountain expanded, not only did the number of monks increase (records indicate that by the mid-Qing period, the temple complex gradually grew in scale, once housing over two hundred Yellow Hat sect monks), but so did the number of visitors, and its social influence gradually expanded. After the fortieth year of Qianlong’s reign, Huishan Temple on Golden Flower Mountain had become the largest temple complex within the county. Its abbot, Mao Lun, also oversaw the hot spring pools at Reshuitang. Huishan Temple constructed the three-story “Wanquan Temple” at Reshuitang, appointing Monk Hai as its head. All visitors coming to bathe at Reshuitang were required to worship at this temple first.

At that time, Huishan Temple on Golden Flower Mountain covered an area of 60 mu, built against the mountain in imitation of Wanxiang Temple (it is said both temples commenced construction on the same day). The temple complex of Huishan Temple had three layers of main halls, flanked by side halls on the east and west. Within the mountain gate were numerous monastic quarters, and the number of wandering monks increased daily. Most remarkably, the temple had three large cauldrons. The largest was destroyed during the 1958 national campaign to produce steel. Another was transported to a middle school to serve as a water reservoir, while the last remained in the temple on Golden Flower Mountain until 1960. It is said these three cauldrons could cook porridge for over a hundred monks and laypeople. One year, a young novice accidentally fell into one of the cauldrons, and it wasn’t until most of the porridge had been eaten, leaving only half a cauldron left, that the monks realized there was still someone inside…

According to the recollections of Mr. Yang Zhaosan, who worked at China’s Environmental News in Beijing, he once visited the grand temple on Golden Flower Mountain. What impressed him most was a “human skin” displayed on the back side of the rear hall, hanging in the northern section. At the time, the area around the main hall was densely shaded by ancient pines and cypresses, creating a dark and eerie atmosphere. The presence of “human skin” in Huishan Temple on Golden Flower Mountain puzzled most people, but according to research by some experts, there is a belief in religious circles about “the incorruptibility of eminent monks’ bodies,” or the possibility that “human skin” may have been used as material in recreating Buddhist scriptures—though this remains uncertain.

The incense at Huishan Temple burned continuously for over two hundred years until 1948, when Lingyuan was liberated. In an effort to eliminate hiding places for bandits, a company commander ordered the burning of the temple’s main halls—an immense loss indeed.

After the reform and opening-up period, the Golden Flower Mountain Scenic Area and Huishan Temple were revitalized and reconstructed under government care. Roads leading into the mountains were built. The main hall of Huishan Temple was also rebuilt to resemble its original form, with dozens of layers of stone slabs added in front to form a square platform, enclosed by walls. The perennial spring at the foot of the mountain was stored in a square well and covered for protection. A small temple was built next to the well. It is said this spring is connected to the Queen Mother of the West's Jade Pool, and drinking its water can ward off disasters and cure illnesses. There is also a local legend about “a black dragon entering the spring, and Liu Tiezhu venturing into the dragon palace to retrieve treasure and defeat the black dragon.” Therefore, it is customary for visitors to burn incense at the small temple before drinking the holy water. With more and more people coming to draw the water, the incense smoke never ceases throughout the day.

Because of the unusually golden-hued mountain peaks, the peculiar caves, the temple honored with imperial recognition, and the healing properties of the spring water, this place has been regarded as a sacred site across western Liaoning. Today, riding the wave of reform and opening up, the Golden Flower Mountain scenic area has undergone large-scale planning and renovation. Not only has afforestation been intensified across the mountain, but several octagonal pavilions for rest and winding paths have also been built atop the peaks. Huishan Temple has also resumed its traditional temple fair ceremonies. Even on regular days, many visitors come daily to escape the smog and noise of the city, seeking to refresh and cleanse their weary minds and bodies.

Though Golden Flower Mountain is close to the city, it remains untouched by urban pollution. It is surrounded by green pines and cypresses, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance. It is awakened by the essence of the sun and moon, and the sounds of evening drums and morning bells. But what captivates people most is the eternal spiritual aura of the ancient temple, and the endless tranquility and the naturally flowing sacred spring.