Nanchan Temple

Nanchan Temple, formerly known as Nanfengtai Temple, is a renowned Buddhist shrine in northern Shanxi and was designated a Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1960. First built in the Northern Wei Dynasty, it underwent expansion in the Tang Dynasty. Major renovations were carried out in the 29th year of the Dading reign of the Jin Dynasty and the 12th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, with minor repairs conducted in successive dynasties. Dating back to the same era as the world-famous Yungang Grottoes in Datong, it stands as a masterpiece of Northern Wei architecture, boasting outstanding artistic and historical value.

The temple sits atop the 100-meter-high Nanfeng Platform, diagonally opposite the entrance of Shenwu Town, five li southeast of the county seat. Facing east with its back to the west, it covers an area of three mu. Nestled against the revered Guancen Mountain and overlooking the clear Lian River, the temple features towering ancient pines, grand halls and exquisite architectural craftsmanship, bearing immense Buddhist and archaeological significance. Tragically, it was demolished in 1971 during the Cultural Revolution.

Wuzhai County is home to honest, virtuous folk. After the temple’s destruction, local residents lamented its loss and grew increasingly eager to rebuild it. In the summer of 1997, people from all walks of life and villagers donated money and materials. After five years of arduous work, the temple was fully reconstructed to its original appearance, now even more magnificent. It has become a popular tourist attraction in northwest Shanxi.

Its core buildings include the Mountain Gate, Bell and Drum Towers, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Chanting Hall and Dining Hall. Inside the Mahavira Hall stand three gilded Buddha statues: Amitabha Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha and Medicine Buddha, alongside statues of the Eighteen Arhats, Ten Yama Kings and Six Judges. An ancient bell cast in the 14th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1535) hangs in the bell tower by the mountain gate, measuring 1.68 meters in diameter and 1.6 meters in height. Only one stone stele recording the 12th year of the Daoguang reign renovation of Nanchan Temple survives to this day.

In November 2001, the People’s Government of Wuzhai County listed it as a County-level Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The inaugural issue of Clear Ripples carries a ci poem titled Prelude to Water Melody · Nanchan Temple, recounting the temple’s story.

Beneath sacred Guancen’s shade, A temple rose in Northern Wei’s age. Year after year, pilgrims throng in endless streams, To kneel and worship Guanyin with pious dreams.

Once catastrophe struck Nanfeng Terrace; Tang pines withered in cold west breezes. Gilded statues shattered, all gold stripped bare. Aged monks left weeping, Tears wet both human and Buddha’s robes, pair.

To uphold virtue, worship Buddha oft, Reflect on one’s faults, cleanse inner thought. Master Sun voiced a vision wise and clear; Kind-hearted souls responded far and near. Thousands surged forth beneath colourful banners high; Having prospered, they would not let tradition die. Once more they cast golden Buddha statues grand. On the Consecration Day, crowds flocked to worship, The whole county’s market town emptied hand.