Huguo Shangqing Temple

　　Huguo Shangqing Temple is situated on the earthen cliff south of Nanbao in Xiguan Village, Chengguan Town, Xinjiang County, and is a key cultural relic protection unit of the county. It was first constructed in the 34th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1606) by imperial decree and was later renovated during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that the temple follows the Buddhist lineage of Mount Wutai, venerating the Bodhisattva Manjushri, and attracted many devout scholars who held various Buddhist ceremonies. Originally, the temple complex was vast, covering nearly 25 acres of temple grounds and an additional 30 acres of farmland. The temple complex extends from south to north along a flight of steps. In front of the mountain gate stands a screen wall. There are both southern and northern Buddha halls, with bell and drum towers on either side of the southern hall, as well as east and west wing rooms — the east wing enshrines Guan Yu, while the west wing houses the God of Earth. Behind the west wing rooms lies a side courtyard with a statue of a reclining Buddha of an ascetic monk. The northwest corner contains the abbot’s quarters, and the northeast corner houses the dining hall. The northern hall features a second floor, where the South Sea Guanyin is enshrined upstairs, while the first floor houses the Tathagata Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats. The southern hall contains a standing statue of the Bodhisattva Manjushri. The temple was grandly built and meticulously laid out. In former times, the temple hosted annual Buddhist gatherings, especially on the third day of the third lunar month, when its doors were widely opened and throngs of worshippers came to pay their respects. In the evening, floating river lanterns were released on the Fen River, creating a sparkling and lively scene.

　　In 1958, most of the temple was demolished to make way for the foundation of the Houxi Railway. During the Cultural Revolution in 1966, the site suffered further destruction — all statues were ruined, and the last monk, Shi Renxi, passed away in 1968, marking the end of incense offerings and leaving the temple halls abandoned and dusty. Today, only the rear courtyard's north and south halls, east and west wing rooms, and the bell tower remain. The current site covers an area of 1,665 square meters. The north hall has five bays in width, three in depth, two stories, and a hanging gable roof. It has suffered from years of neglect and is now severely damaged.