Fuxing Temple

Fuxing Temple stands on the eastern side of Tashan Park in the county seat. Backed by Canglong Ridge and facing the Yalu River, it is surrounded by rolling green mountains, shady ancient pines and flourishing flowers and trees, presenting a pleasant scenery. Seen from afar, the staggered halls are half-hidden among lush green woods. With red walls and grey tiles, the temple is magnificent and possesses the serene charm of an ancient Buddhist shrine deep in the mountains.

In the 34th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1908), when Changbai was officially established as an administrative region, a large number of migrants poured in from Shandong and Hebei Provinces, bringing the religious beliefs of the Central Plains to every corner of the county. Towards the end of the Guangxu reign, two Buddhist masters, Shi Chenji from Harbin and Shi Shouyi from Jile Temple in Fengcheng County, Liaoning, preached Buddhism at Jinglin Courtyard of Taiqing Palace in Changbai Town (the present vocational high school campus, later renamed Fuxing Temple). On the temple fair held on the 18th day of the fourth lunar month every year, crowds of devout men and women flocked to burn incense, pay homage, pray for disaster relief and seek blessings for the afterlife.

After the liberation of Changbai, local residents demolished the temple and expelled the monks, and religious activities declined sharply. In June 2001, the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee made a decision to reconstruct Fuxing Temple, so as to carry forward traditional Chinese culture, develop tourism and boost border development and local prosperity. The groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony was held on November 10 the same year. The entire project was fully completed on October 30, 2004. The temple covers a land area of 9,000 square metres with a construction area of 1,500 square metres, involving a total investment of 7 million yuan.

Built against the mountain and facing south, the temple rises tier upon tier from north to south. Upon entering the main gate stand the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. In the centre of the compound line the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall and the Buddhist pagoda. To the east are the Ksitigarbha Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall and Manjushri Bodhisattva Hall. The western side houses the Earth Treasury Hall, Guanyin Bodhisattva Hall and guest rooms for monks.

The golden clay Buddha statues inside the temple are vividly shaped with varied and graceful postures, looking almost alive. The architectural layout is well-proportioned and symmetrical, featuring upturned eaves, carved animal ornaments and patterned glazed tiles. The buildings are solemn, primitive and grand — orderly yet flexible amid the layered structure.

Exquisite ancient pine trees form another major attraction. Nestled in a sea of pines covering mountain valleys, these trees take on fantastic shapes: some stand upright and dignified, some sway gently in the wind, some grow tall and slender, and some stretch their canopies toward the sky. When the breeze sweeps through the woods, the low roar of pines mingles with birdsong, sometimes soft and sometimes unrestrained. As the poem goes: Pine waves resound through ten thousand valleys;

Layered greenery shrouds this quiet secluded place. Ever since the temple was rebuilt, visitors have kept coming to burn incense, pay respects and enjoy sightseeing.

Strolling through the temple where every step reveals a new view, you will smell sweet blossoms and hear constant birdsong. The interplay of mountain scenery and floating clouds creates an ethereal fairyland. Looking down over the whole town and across the misty Yalu River, you can enjoy an open view. One line from a Ming Dynasty scholar immediately comes to mind: The towering building pierces the blue firmament;

Leaning on the rail, I gaze far into boundless space.

With its unique tranquility and pure beauty, Fuxing Temple attracts numerous tourists. Here you will find endless charm and delight.