Tianqing Temple

　　 Tianqing Temple is situated on the steep cliffs of the southwestern hillside of YanShou Temple. It was originally a delicate and exquisite temple complex from the Liao Dynasty, first built in the fifth year of the Shouchang era during the Liao Dynasty. In the seventeenth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, monks Xingwu and Xingxi raised funds and spent decades constructing the temple. Later, Xingxi’s disciple Haideng carried out further renovations. In 1993, when the Phoenix Mountain Management Bureau was first established, the temple was restored in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, bringing back its former splendor.

　　 Backed by a mountain cliff and facing a deep ravine, Tianqing Temple is surrounded by ancient cypresses growing along the cliff behind it, their branches leaning over to cast shade upon the temple. In front of the temple, outside the surrounding wall and sloping down into the valley, stand five thousand-year-old cypress trees. With a diameter of about 40 centimeters, a height of 10 meters, and a crown spread of up to 70 square meters, these trees are sturdy and towering. Their gnarled and twisted ancient trunks resemble coiling dragons. Set against the backdrop of the lush ancient cypress grove, Tianqing Temple appears especially tranquil and elegant, making it one of the most delightful spots in the mountains. As the saying goes: “A sacred temple shines with divine light, while ancient cypresses on the cliffs sway in emerald green; a virtuous and blessed land is home to a pure white jade-like Guanyin.”