Fengxiang Stone Buddha Temple

　　The Stone Buddha Temple is situated in Miguanqiao Town, northeast of Fengxiang County, approximately 13 kilometers from the county town. It is perched on Matou Slope and at the peak of Qingfeng Mountain, overlooking the land of Yongchuan. The temple faces south and covers an area of over 40 acres, with a well-planned layout, rational structure, imposing presence, and elegant design. Nestled against a mountain and facing the sunrise, the environment here is tranquil, the climate pleasant, and the scenery beautiful. Standing at the main gate of the temple and looking southward or gazing from above, you can see the continuous peaks of the Qinling Mountains and take in the full view of the Yongzhou cityscape. The Bao-Ling Highway passes right by the temple entrance, bustling with constant foot traffic, offering convenient access and lively surroundings.

　　Originally named Thousand Buddha Temple, it was first built between 386 and 534 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, and earned its name from housing more than 1,000 stone Buddha statues of varying sizes. Historical research confirms that the Thousand Buddha Temple is an ancient shrine with a long history. In its heyday, the temple complex was filled with grand halls, thriving incense offerings, trees providing ample shade, exotic flowers and plants competing in beauty, all set within an elegant and picturesque environment. It enjoyed widespread fame and renown across the Guanzhong region. The mountain on which it stands has a commanding presence, resembling a crouching tiger, and is connected with other hills including Snake Mountain, Turtle Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Ox Mountain, and Camel Mountain. Each scenic spot is associated with legendary tales. It is said that the ancient legend of the Five Dragons Gathering the Sea took place here.

　　Due to historical wars, the temple was burned down multiple times and rebuilt four times. During the Cultural Revolution, it suffered severe damage, and its original form was completely lost, leaving only ruins. With the deepening of reform and opening-up and the revival of Buddhism — a longing shared by many — in 1982, lay Buddhist Yu Fenglan answered the collective wish. She gave up her comfortable and well-off life in the county town and took on the responsibility of rebuilding the Stone Buddha Temple. Under her leadership and with strong support from fellow devotees, after years of effort, the Temple Hall, Dizang Hall, and Guanyin Hall were successively completed in 1986. In 1999, plans for constructing the Mahavira Hall began, and after four years of relentless endeavor, it was completed in 2002. In 2003, work started again on building the Great Mercy Hall, and after three years of hard work, it was finished in 2006, with a grand celebration ceremony held. The temple complex has since added more than 20 auxiliary structures including monks' quarters, dining halls, guest halls, and administrative buildings, bringing the total assets to over 3 million yuan and covering an area of 48 acres. Now of considerable scale, it officially opened to the public in 2002. The current Stone Buddha Temple attracts numerous visitors from afar with its boundless charm, drawing them to pay homage, offer prayers, and burn incense.

　　Climbing the steps outside the main gate, you’ll find the Thousand-Hand Guanyin as the first hall of the temple. A large statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin stands prominently in the center of the first hall, atop a lotus pedestal. Inside, the Thirty-Two Hand Seals are represented by separate sculptures on the east and west walls. Other vivid clay figures also dot the hall. The artistic details are exquisite, the expressions serene, the atmosphere reverent, and the stories told here are both captivating and thought-provoking. Morning light and evening shadows add to the spiritual ambiance.

　　The Mahavira Hall, located at the very center of the temple, is the largest main hall, positioned right behind the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall as the second hall. It consists of a front hall and a rear hall. Entering the Mahavira Hall, you’ll see three golden Buddha statues in the center of the front hall — Sakyamuni, Amitabha, with Manjushri on the east side and Samantabhadra on the west. Each has a kind face, a peaceful expression, a plump and blessed appearance, and a perpetual smile. On both sides of the Mahavira Hall, there are numerous clay sculptures of arhats. These figures are crafted using different techniques and materials from various regions, some standing, some sitting, some solemn, some smiling, some serious, some with raised eyebrows, some with wide-open eyes, and some with stern or gentle expressions — all uniquely expressive.

　　Stepping into the rear hall, you’ll encounter even more spectacular and wondrous sights. The Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) holds a pure vase in her hand, with a willow branch inserted inside, her smiling face radiating kindness and warmth. Behind her, the backdrop wall features fifty-three small and large celestial beings and immortals, densely arrayed across its surface.