Linxia Wanshou Temple

　　Wanshou Temple is situated two li west of Linxia City on the "Vast Plateau Summit," constructed along the five peaks of the North Plateau. The main structure is built on the central peak and is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hezhou. Originally established in the early Tang Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1983 and is the second-largest Taoist temple in Northwest China, renowned alongside Kongtong Mountain. Wanshou Temple is divided into seven levels from top to bottom, including the Guanyin Hall, Zhenwu Hall, Ziwei Hall, Jade Emperor Hall, Fulu Hall, Sanqing Hall, and Hunyuan Pavilion. At the highest level, a seven-story pagoda known as the "Qianyuan Tower," standing 43 meters tall, was erected in 1994. According to the Hezhou Annals, during the Yuan Dynasty, the Taoist immortal Feiyang attained enlightenment and ascended here. The temple has undergone multiple cycles of prosperity and decline, suffering devastation during the Cultural Revolution when halls were destroyed and the pagoda was demolished. Today, visitors ascending the steps to the summit can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. To the east are the "Ancestral Hall of the Ten Thousand Craftsmen" and the "Linzhi Temple"; to the west lies "Erlang Ridge" with a shrine; and in the center is the "Immortal’s Abode Cave." The mountain where the temple is located features majestic peaks, overlapping pavilions, lush forests, fragrant flowers, and a delightful landscape. The local scholar Zhang Zhi once wrote: “At the plateau’s head in our county’s west, the ancient Wanshou Temple was built in the Yuan era; the immortal Feiyang ascended on Green Peak, while the divine yang rose with the floating hills.”

　　During the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, it was officially named "Wanshou Temple." The temple has been through several rounds of rise and fall, and was ravaged again during the Cultural Revolution, with halls destroyed and the pagoda blown up. Today, as you climb the steps to the mountaintop, the entire city unfolds before your eyes. To the east are the “Ancestral Hall of the Ten Thousand Craftsmen” and the “Linzhi Temple”; to the west is “Erlang Ridge,” home to a shrine; and in the center lies the “Immortal’s Abode Cave.” The mountain where the temple sits boasts majestic peaks, tiered pavilions, dense woods, blooming flowers, and a pleasant scenery. A local scholar, Zhang Zhi, once penned the verse: “At our county’s western plateau head, the ancient Wanshou Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty; the immortal Feiyang attained nirvana on Green Peak, while the divine light rose with the floating hills.”