As a cradle of Chinese culture, Shanxi is renowned for its abundance of cultural and historical treasures. While some iconic historical relics and monuments like the Great Wall, which stretches across the province, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and the Sakyamuni Pagoda in Yingxian, are at the top of tourists’ itineraries, there are also lesser-known “hidden gems” in terms of historical significance that are well worth exploring.
One such hidden gem is the Guangsheng Buddhist Temple, located in the Zhaocheng township of Hongtong county. The Guangsheng Temple is actually a complex that encompasses the upper monastery, the lower monastery, and the Water God Temple, situated on the slopes and foothills of Huoshan Mountain in Zhaocheng.
Founded in the first year (147) of the Jianhe reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), the temple originally bore the name Julushe Temple. It later acquired its present name during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). While it suffered damage during an earthquake in the 7th year (1303) of the Dade reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), subsequent restoration efforts took place over the years, preserving much of the architectural style from the Yuan Dynasty. Nestled against the mountains and overlooking a river, the temple is surrounded by ancient trees and boasts the Huoquan Spring gushing beneath the rocks at the foot of Huoshan Mountain, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The temple can be divided into three main sections: the upper temple, the lower temple, and the Water God Temple.
The upper temple, perched atop Huoshan Mountain amidst lush pine trees, is graced with ancient towers and adorned with colored glaze components, radiating magnificence and splendor. The lower temple, situated at the base of Huoshan Mountain, harmoniously blends with the mountain’s natural contours, creating an intriguing landscape with varying elevations. Adjacent to the lower temple is the Water God Temple, with connected walls. Here, one can find the Statue of Ying, an emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and renowned frescoes depicting Yuan Dramas, both of which are celebrated locally and internationally.
The upper temple complex comprises the temple gate, the Flying Rainbow Tower, the Amitabha Hall, the Great Hall, the Vairochana Hall, the Kwan-yin Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, as well as wing-rooms and corridors, among other features. The Temple Gate, situated at the entrance, is flanked by two guardian warriors. Just beyond the gate stands the impressive Flying Rainbow Tower, constructed from colored glaze bricks. Originally built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and later restored in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this thirteen-story tower soars to a height of 47.31 meters, featuring an octagonal plan. The tower is adorned with tri-colored glaze in yellow, green, and blue, creating a splendid and vibrant spectacle. Elaborate wooden square blocks and intricately carved designs of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, guardian warriors, flowers, birds, and animals adorn the eaves and pillars. Corridors encircle the first story, while the tower’s interior houses only the stairs leading to the tenth floor, showcasing remarkable architectural and artistic prowess.
Behind the tower lies the Amitabha Hall, a 5-bay wide, 4-bay long structure with a single-eaved gable and hip roof. Inside, the hall features three exquisite statues: Amitabha Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Vajrapani Bodhisattva. These statues, masterpieces of the Ming Dynasty, are accompanied by frescoes adorning the eastern wall and screen wall. Additionally, the temple once housed 4,000 volumes of the Pingshui version of the Tripitaka during the Huangtong reign of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). These valuable volumes are now preserved in the Beijing Library and serve as a rare source for studying the history of Chinese printing.
The Great Hall, characterized by a 5-bay width, a single-eaved gable, and a hip roof, features three niches within for wooden statues of Sakyamuni, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra. These statues are meticulously crafted, possessing well-proportioned forms, a plump appearance, and an air of perfect serenity. In the Qing Dynasty, the hall was adorned with eighteen iron arhats along its two sides, along with statues of Kwan-yin and Amitabha Buddha on the rear niche wall.
The Vairochana Hall, spanning 5 bays in width with a hip roof, boasts an architectural style typical of the Yuan Dynasty, with two gables supported by substantial crawling beams. The altar within the hall features statues of three Buddhas and four Bodhisattvas, surrounded by wooden niches containing 35 iron statues. Notably, the back wall of the hall showcases frescoes depicting Sakyamuni and twelve Bodhisattvas of Perfect Enlightenment, regarded as exceptional examples of this art form.
The lower temple complex comprises the temple gate, front hall, back hall, the buttress hall, and other buildings, all constructed during the Yuan Dynasty. The temple gate stands impressively tall, measuring 3 bays in width and 3 bays in length, featuring a single-eaved gable and a hip roof. Canopies have been added to both the front and back eaves, lending it the appearance of a pavilion with double eaves. The front hall spans five bays in width and is supported by only two pillars that bear the weight of the entire structure. The back hall, dating back to the second year (1309) of the Zhida reign in the Yuan Dynasty, stretches 7 bays in width, featuring 9 purlins, 8 rafters, and a single-eaved overhanging gable roof. Within the hall, you’ll find the main statues of Amitabha Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, all crafted during the Yuan Dynasty. Sadly, the once-present frescoes on the walls were stolen and smuggled to other countries in 1928, and they are currently housed in the Naerson Museum in Texas, US. Notably, the fresco on the south wall documented the performances of Yuan Drama, serving as rare reference material for the study of Chinese dramas.
The Water God Temple comprises two courtyards: the front yard and the back yard, featuring key structures like the Temple Gate, the Door of Amenity, the Ming Ying King Hall, and wing-rooms of cave dwellings. The Ming Ying King Hall, measuring 5 bays in width and 5 bays in length, is enveloped by a cloister and crowned with a double-eaved gable hip roof. The interior beams follow a conventional style. Within the hall, you’ll find statues of Water God Ming Ying King and his eleven attendants. Their facial features, attire, and postures are all reflective of the Yuan style. The hall’s walls are adorned with frescoes depicting scenes of people praying for rain and other historical narratives, covering an area of 197 square meters. Notably, the eastern end of the south wall features vivid depictions of a comprehensive set of stage properties used by performers, including costumes, stage instruments, musical instruments, makeup, curtains, and the stage itself. The artwork is meticulously arranged, with a simple yet profound color palette, and the dramatis personae are depicted with great expressiveness. This fresco offers an authentic glimpse into the heyday of Yuan Drama and stands as a rare and outstanding example of Yuan fresco art in China.
Guangsheng Temple with Ancient Chinese Buddhist Buildings，Murals & Statues
Source: http://shanxi.chinadaily.com.cn/2022-05/06/c_748899.htm, http://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-02/15/content_34504.htm
Peace LiLy 