Nestled in the historic town of Zhengding, near Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, Longxing Temple, affectionately known as the “Big Buddha Temple” by locals, is a jewel of Chinese Buddhist architecture and culture. With a history spanning over a millennium, this temple offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich heritage of Chinese Buddhism.

A Storied Beginning

Longxing Temple was first established in 586 AD during the Sui Dynasty, originally named Longcang Monastery. Its foundation stone, the “Longcangsi Stele,” dates back to the very year of its establishment, bearing witness to its long and storied past. Over the centuries, the temple has weathered numerous historical upheavals, yet it has retained its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.

During the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD), Longxing Temple underwent significant expansion and renovation. The Song emperors, known for their patronage of Buddhism, invested heavily in the temple, adding new structures and enhancing its existing buildings. This period of construction left an indelible mark on the temple’s architecture, with many of its buildings featuring characteristic Song – style elements.

Architectural Marvels

The Muni Hall

As you enter the temple, one of the first structures to catch your eye is the Muni Hall. This hall, dedicated to Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is a masterpiece of Song – style architecture. Built in the early Northern Song Dynasty, it is the earliest preserved wooden structure in Longxing Temple. What sets the Muni Hall apart is its unique layout. It has four smaller buildings, called “baosha” or embracing structures, attached to its four sides. This layout, with its flying eaves stretching outwards, is supported by the intricate dougong brackets, a unique Chinese construction component. According to the renowned Chinese architect Liang Sicheng, the Muni Hall is the only preserved ancient structure in the world with such a configuration. The hall also houses a magnificent set of cultural treasures, including five statues of the Buddha and his disciples from the Northern Song Dynasty, relief sculptures from the same period, and Ming Dynasty wall paintings.

The Mani Hall

The Mani Hall is another architectural gem within Longxing Temple. Built in 1052 during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, its plane layout is in the shape of a cross, with a double – eaved, hip – and – gable green – glazed tile roof. The hall’s interior is equally impressive. It enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, and on the east and west sides of the hall are painted the Western Paradise and the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World. The north – side wall features a five – color hanging mountain made of clay, with more than 30 Buddha statues. In the middle of the wall is the most beautiful five – color hanging Guanyin statue. This statue, with its elegant posture and serene expression, is a prime example of Chinese Buddhist sculpture art.

The Dabei Pavilion

The centerpiece of Longxing Temple is undoubtedly the Dabei Pavilion. Standing at a height of 33 meters, this five – eaved, three – story pavilion is an imposing structure. Inside the pavilion, you will find the awe – inspiring Great Compassion Guanyin Bodhisattva statue. Cast in bronze during the Song Dynasty, the statue is 21.3 meters high and is the best – preserved and tallest bronze – cast Guanyin Bodhisattva in China. It has 42 arms around its body, each holding various symbols such as the sun, moon, clean bottle, pagoda, vajra, and sword, hence its popular name “Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes Guanyin.” The casting of this massive statue was a remarkable feat of engineering and craftsmanship, reflecting the high – level bronze – casting techniques of the Song Dynasty.

Cultural Treasures

The Longcangsi Stele

Known as the “First Sui Stele,” the Longcangsi Stele is a precious cultural relic within Longxing Temple. Its inscription, written in a style that bridges the gap between the calligraphy of the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the early Tang Dynasty, is a significant example of the transition from official script to regular script. Calligraphy enthusiasts from around the world come to admire the stele’s elegant and powerful strokes, which have had a profound influence on the development of Chinese calligraphy.

The Rotating Sutra Cabinet

Housed in the Pavilion of the Rotating Library, the rotating sutra cabinet is a remarkable piece of Song – Dynasty technology. Dating back to the 12th century, it was used to store sacred Buddhist scriptures. The cabinet, which can still rotate today, is the oldest existing rotating sutra cabinet of its kind in China. Its design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with intricate carvings and a sturdy structure.

The Colorful Avalokitesvara Sculpture

In the Mani Hall, the colorful Avalokitesvara sculpture, also known as the “Eastern Venus de Milo” by Lu Xun, is a must – see. This Ming – Dynasty sculpture depicts Avalokitesvara in a relaxed and natural pose, with one foot on a lotus flower and the other knee bent. Her gentle expression and flowing robes give the statue a sense of grace and tranquility, breaking away from the more formal and solemn styles of traditional Buddhist sculptures.

Modern – Day Reverence and Experience

Today, Longxing Temple remains an active place of worship, with Buddhist monks and pilgrims coming to pay their respects. The temple also attracts a large number of tourists from around the world, who come to admire its architecture, learn about Chinese Buddhist culture, and experience its peaceful atmosphere.

During important Buddhist festivals and holidays, the temple comes alive with activities. Monks chant scriptures, and there are often traditional music performances and cultural exhibitions. These events provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the rich traditions and values of Chinese Buddhism.

In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Longxing Temple has also become an important symbol of Zhengding’s identity. The local government has made significant efforts to preserve and promote the temple, ensuring that its unique heritage is passed down to future generations.

Visiting Longxing Temple is not just a journey to a historical site; it is an immersion into the heart of Chinese Buddhist culture. Whether you are interested in architecture, art, history, or spirituality, Longxing Temple has something to offer. So, the next time you find yourself in Hebei Province, be sure to make a stop at this magnificent temple and discover the wonders of its past and present.