Isn’t it amazing that Longxing Temple stands as a testament to China’s rich Buddhist heritage? Longxing Temple also known as Longxing Monastery is a treasure. It is located in Zhengding in Hebei Province. This makes it about 15 kilometers north of Shijiazhuang. Longxing Temple has earned the title of the “Best Temple south of Beijing”.
Let’s step back to the Sui dynasty in AD 586. This is when Longxing Temple was first built. Back then it was called Longcang Monastery. An ancient stele on the grounds known as the “Longcangsi Stele” marks this foundation. Most of the temple was rebuilt during the Song dynasty.
Notice the layout of Longxing Temple. It follows a classic pattern with buildings arranged along a central axis. The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings greets visitors first. At the opposite end stands the Tower of Great Mercy. This tower is a 33-meter-high wooden structure. Inside lives a 21.3-meter bronze statue of Guanyin. This statue was cast during the Song dynasty. You can climb a staircase inside the hall to see the statue from top to bottom.
Have you spotted the wooden carving of Guanyin sitting in a grotto? Don’t miss the statues of Buddha on lotus thrones. One unique treasure at Longxing Temple is the Pavilion of Zhuanlunzang. It dates back to the 12th century during the Song dynasty. This pavilion houses a rotating bookshelf. It once stored holy texts and Buddhist sutras. It is the oldest rotating repository of its kind.
Longxing Temple’s gate faces south. Buildings align along a clear north-south axis. The Hall of Four Heavenly Kings serves as the main entrance. It was built in the early Song dynasty. Restorations over the centuries have maintained its style.
Inside this hall stand statues of the four heavenly kings. They are 4.8 meters tall. These replaced the original statues in 1982. A gilded statue of the Monk Budai, the “Laughing Buddha,” sits in the center.
The Hall of Dajueliushi was meant to be the main hall. It was located just north of the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. This hall honored Shakyamuni’s six mentors. It housed statues of Shakyamuni and his mentors. Locals called it “the hall of the seven buddhas.”
Built in the Song dynasty the Hall of Dajueliushi was huge. It covered 1,878 square meters. Sadly, it collapsed in the early 20th century. Only the stone platform remains today.
The Mani Hall is the most important hall at Longxing Temple. It was built in AD 1052. It remains one of the most intact Song dynasty buildings in China. The Mani Hall has a unique design. It combines a square layout with Baosha structures and a special roof style. Liang Sicheng, a Chinese architect, admired its beauty. He said it broadened the horizons of ancient Chinese architecture.
Inside the Mani Hall stands a group of Buddha statues. The gilded Shakyamuni sits on an octagonal platform. Samantabhadra and Manjushri are on each side.
The north side of the hall features another group of statues. Guanyin sits on a colored cloud. The reliefs depict Mount Putuo. This statue presents Guanyin as a kind lady. Writer Lu Xun loved this statue. He kept a photo of it on his desk. Frescos adorn the inner walls of the Mani Hall. They depict Buddhist stories and figures. These paintings are considered some of the finest in Chinese history.
Finally the Precept Platform is where monks undertake Buddhist precepts. It features a two-level stone platform. A wooden structure covers it. A bronze double-faced Buddha statue sits on the platform. The south face is Amitābha and the north face is Bhaisajyaguru.
Longxing Temple is more than just a temple. It is a living museum of Chinese Buddhist art and architecture. Its long history and unique treasures make it a remarkable place to explore.