Dengfeng, Henan | The beginning of ancient temples in China, Fawang Temple

❤Reason for recommendation: The 'Songshan Records' has the following record: 'The Fawang Temple is high and open, backed by the Songling, overlooking the two bears and other mountains, arranged like an arch, it is the first temple in front of Song.' 🌟Highlights: The long and wide stone steps in front of the mountain gate make the mountain gate of Fawang Temple even more magnificent. Standing on the terrace of Fawang Temple and looking east, two mountain peaks, rugged and abrupt, confront each other, shaped like a door, people call it 'Songmen', 'Songmen waits for the moon', which is one of the ancient eight sceneries of Songshan. 👍Most recommended: Fawang Temple was built in the tenth year of Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty (71 AD), it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in China, only three years later than the White Horse Temple, and 424 years earlier than the Shaolin Temple. It is said to be built specifically for the Indian monk Zhu Falan, known as 'the beginning of ancient temples in China'. 👍Most recommended: During the Qinglong period of Emperor Ming of Wei, it was changed to Huguo Temple, during the Western Jin Dynasty, Fahua Temple was added in front of the temple, at the beginning of the Sui Dynasty, the relic tower was built and renamed as Sheli Temple, during the Zhenguan period of Emperor Taizong of Tang, the Buddha statue was repaired by imperial decree, and the manor was granted and renamed as Gongde Temple, during the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong, it was renamed as Yurong Temple, during the Dali period of Emperor Dezong, the halls and pavilions were rebuilt and renamed as Wenshu Shili Guangde Fawang Temple, by the Five Dynasties, it was ruined and divided into five courtyards, still following the old names of Huguo, Fahua, Sheli, Gongde, Yurong, etc., at the beginning of the Northern Song Dynasty, it was collectively referred to as Wuyuan. During the Qingli period of Emperor Renzong, the halls and monk's quarters were added, the Buddha statue was rebuilt, and it was renamed as 'Da Fawang Temple' of Songshan, which has a very important position in the Han Buddhism.