How did the Upper Fang Temple get its name? The Upper Fang Temple ruins stand before us. This temple was built in 960 during the Liao Dynasty. It was initially called Miaofeng Temple. The Upper Fang Temple is located on a mountain in the Fenghuangling scenic area. It sits at an altitude of over 650 meters.
According to inscriptions, the temple flourished. This was during the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 300 years. It declined towards the end of the Qing Dynasty.
The original temple faced east. It had three main halls. These were the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. Next was the Great Hero Hall. Last was the Hall of the Three Saints.
An ancient poem describes Upper Fang Temple. It says that the sound of monks echoed. The temple was hidden deep. The poem speaks of washing away dust.
Today only the exquisite pagoda remains. It has five eaves and six corners. It also features seven stories. Small Buddhas and pagodas are carved on the bricks. The HaiDian District Cultural Committee restored the pagoda in 2003.
About 100 meters east of Upper Fang Temple, there is a stone inscription. It reads “tenth year of Yingli, tenth month, sixth day”. The stone has two water pools on top. To the west are four stone troughs. There is also a well about 100 meters from the pagoda.
An ancient ginkgo tree stands here. Three stone tablets remain. Behind the main hall lies a flower rock pagoda. It is shaped like an overturned bowl.
In 1999, the site became a protected cultural relic. It is under the HaiDian District. The Upper Fang Temple was once a beacon of faith. Now its ruins whisper tales of time. Take a moment to feel its history. Consider the monks who once walked here. Imagine the temple in its full glory.