Antelope Pine Breeze

　　Introduction     On a crescent-shaped hillside to the south of Lingyang Village in Xuanhe Town, Zhongwei District, there stands a temple called Lingyang Temple. Covering an area of over 20 acres, the temple’s main structures include the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, side halls, and a gate tower, all arranged along a central axis. The Mahavira Hall is the centerpiece of the temple — majestic and grand, flanked by corridors and side halls. Together with the towering Heavenly King Hall facing it, they create a harmonious ensemble that prevents the temple from appearing isolated despite its height. In ancient times, there was a single pine tree at the foot of the temple steps — the only one in Zhongwei. The temple grounds were surrounded by gardens with jujube, pear, apricot, and peach trees. When the wind blew through the woods, the rustling leaves created a chorus with the sound of the pine, evoking a serene and transcendent feeling — hence the name “Antelope Pine Breeze.”

　　    Nestled against hills and beside water, Lingyang Temple is surrounded by three canals: Lingyang Horn, Lingyang Hall, and Lingyang Clamp. Local households all have gardens, with the air fragrant everywhere, like living in a paradise. The annual temple fair falls on the 20th day of the fourth lunar month, right when the jujube blossoms are in full bloom. The fragrance wafts for miles, intoxicating the hills and the people. Several large canals flow with water that seems to enchant rather than just move. Coupled with the beautiful legend of “Lingyang Striking the Horn,” the scenery here becomes even more enchanting. An old local chronicle contains a poem that reads: “In spring, I seek out the finest views at Lingyang; the rustling pines echo long and strong. Gardens all around present a painted scene; in the green shade, I rest proud as the ancient kings.”

　　    Unfortunately, during the Cultural Revolution, Lingyang Temple was demolished by Red Guards bent on destroying the “Four Olds.” After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, with approval from the relevant departments of the former Zhongwei County, Lingyang Temple was reinstated as a Buddhist site. After four years of reconstruction, a brand-new Lingyang Temple was completed.

　　 Zhongwei, Ningxia