[2025 Chaoyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Youshun Temple (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina Chaoyang Buddhist Culture Museum is a remarkable institution located in Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province, China. Established in 2006, this museum serves as a guardian and showcase of the region's rich Buddhist heritage, with its primary location being the nationally protected Youshun Temple (佑顺寺). The museum spans an impressive 4,200 square meters and plays a vital role in preserving, managing, and promoting the understanding of Buddhist culture in Northeast China. Chaoyang holds a special place in Chinese Buddhist history, often referred to as the "Ancient Capital of Three Yan Dynasties" (前燕、后燕和北燕). The museum's collection reflects this deep historical connection, with artifacts dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏) when Buddhism first flourished in the region. The famous Chaoyang North Pagoda (朝阳北塔), a "five-generation pagoda" that incorporates architectural styles from the Three Yan, Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, and Liao periods, stands as a testament to this enduring spiritual legacy. The museum's home at Youshun Temple is itself a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. Built during the Qing Dynasty, the temple complex features traditional Chinese temple layout with multiple halls, courtyards, and auxiliary buildings. Recent renovation projects (as of 2025) have focused on preserving structures like the Seven-Bay Hall (七间殿), Dressing Hall (更衣殿), and the distinctive corner rooms (矩尺环房), ensuring these architectural treasures continue to inspire future generations. The museum's collection includes approximately 1,600 precious artifacts, many excavated from the North Pagoda. These include: Buddhist Relics: The museum houses sacred Buddha's relics (佛舍利), considered among the most significant Buddhist treasures in China. Seven-Treasure Pagoda (七宝塔): A stunning example of Buddhist art, combining precious materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Persian Glass Vessel (波斯玻璃瓶): Evidence of the Silk Road connections that brought diverse cultural influences to Chaoyang. Stone Carvings and Inscriptions: Including important historical records from various dynasties. The museum's exhibitions are thoughtfully organized into several thematic sections: Historical Development of Buddhism in Chaoyang: Tracing the religion's spread and evolution in Northeast China. Architectural Heritage: Featuring scale models of important Buddhist structures like the "Siyan Futu" (思燕佛图) from Northern Wei. Artistic Expressions: Showcasing Buddhist statues, paintings, and ritual objects from different periods. Cultural Exchange: Highlighting Chaoyang's role as a crossroads of Han Chinese and ethnic minority cultures. Beyond preservation, the museum serves as: -A research center for Buddhist studies and archaeology, -An educational hub with multimedia displays and interactive exhibits, -A cultural bridge promoting understanding of Northeast China's spiritual traditions, -A tourist attraction that complements other Chaoyang landmarks like the Fossil National Geopark. The Chaoyang Buddhist Culture Museum offers more than artifacts, it provides a living connection to China's spiritual past. Through its careful preservation of Youshun Temple and its world-class collections, the museum invites visitors to contemplate the profound philosophical and artistic achievements of Buddhist civilization. For scholars, pilgrims, and curious travelers alike, it stands as an essential destination in understanding the cultural tapestry of Northeast.

Chaoyang Youshun Temple is like a hidden pearl in the world, exuding a majestic and serene light. As you step into the temple, a sense of simplicity and solemnity greets you. The temple's architecture is grand and magnificent, with flying eaves and painted beams, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage. Inside the Mahavira Hall, the Buddha statues are solemn and dignified, with compassionate gazes overlooking all beings. The incense smoke curls up, and the sound of Buddhist chants fills the air, instantly purifying and calming the soul. In the courtyard, ancient cypress trees tower into the sky, and the grass is lush and green. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, creating patches of golden light. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, as if whispering the ancient stories of this temple. Every corner of Youshun Temple is filled with tranquility and harmony, providing a spiritual sanctuary in a bustling world. Travel Tips: - Transportation: City buses can reach nearby, but taking a taxi or driving is more convenient. - Best time to visit: All year round, with pleasant weather in spring and autumn. - Tour route: Enter from the temple gate and visit the main buildings such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and Sutra Library in sequence. - Notes: Keep quiet, respect religious beliefs and temple rules; do not smoke or litter in the temple. - Nearby food: Try Chaoyang's specialties such as fried cakes and bowl cakes. Come to Chaoyang Youshun Temple to experience the charm of this ancient temple and seek inner peace and tranquility!

Chaoyang Youshun Temple|Exquisite Tantric stone carvings that I almost missed When I came to Chaoyang, Liaoning to look for Liao Pagoda, Youshun Temple was an unexpected surprise. Shanyoushun Temple, commonly known as the "Lama Temple", was built in the 17th year of Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1698) and completed in the 46th year (1707). In the 18th year of Qianlong's reign (1783), Emperor Qianlong went to Shengjing (today's Shenyang) and visited the mausoleum here. He also awarded a plaque with the words "Zhenru Miaojue" and hung it in the main hall of the temple. The building faces north and faces south, with an official-style architectural layout and approach, but it still has an ancient style and is not as rigid as the official-style buildings of the later Qing Dynasty. The building complex mainly includes the Tianwang Hall, Sutra Pavilion, Daxiong Hall, Qijian Hall, etc. It is a typical physical specimen for the study of contemporary ancient buildings in Liaoning. The tantric stone carvings on the wall are quite interesting. There are 23 stone carvings in total surrounding the main hall. They include reliefs of Lamaist gods, musical instruments, scriptures, etc. Although they have faded, the images are very vivid and are the essence of the stone carving art of Youshun Temple. If anyone comes to Chaoyang to see the Liao Pagoda, don’t miss Youshun Temple, which is between the North Pagoda and South Pagoda, and don’t miss the exquisite stone carvings. Visiting tips: Address: North side of the east section of Xinhua Road, Shuangta District, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province Tickets: Free Opening hours: 09:00-16:00 Closed on Mondays

🌸Welcome to Chaoyang, a shining pearl on the banks of the Daling River, an ancient capital full of stories. From the gateway to the northeast to a historic city of many ethnic groups, from a strategic location beyond the Great Wall to a witness of culture throughout the ages, Chaoyang has a rich history that will leave you wanting more. 🌸Chaoyang was formerly known as Longcheng and Xingzhong, and is the largest city in Liaoning Province. It is not only rich in history and culture, but also has local characteristics such as Hongshan culture, Three Yan culture, Buddhist culture, fossil culture, and Silk Road culture. Coming here is like traveling through time and feeling the pulse of history. 🌸During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Chaoyang was known for its culture represented by horse gear and step-shaking, and was known as the "Three Yan Culture." After that, Yingzhou was established here, and during the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, it was called Xingzhong, and during the Ming dynasty, Yingzhou Wei was established, and at the end of the Qing dynasty, Chaoyang Prefecture was established. The name "Chaoyang" originated in the 43rd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, and was named after the Chaoyang Cave on Phoenix Mountain. Today, this iconic building, the Chaoyang North Pagoda, is a witness to the history of the Three Yan and a symbol of Chaoyang's rich cultural heritage. 🌸How can you miss Youshun Temple when you come to Chaoyang? This temple was built in the 37th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty and has undergone several expansions and repairs. The outer walls of the main hall are inlaid with 27 stone-carved relief statues of Tibetan Buddhism, which are exquisitely carved and fascinating. This temple is not only a cultural heritage, but also a spiritual sustenance for the people of Chaoyang. 🌸Finally, how can you forget to explore the Daling River? The Daling River is one of the oldest and most prestigious water systems in the northeast and is the largest river in western Liaoning Province. On the land of Chaoyang, the Daling River has left countless stories and legends. Boating on the river, feeling its vastness and depth, you will find that it is full of endless charm. 🌸In general, Chaoyang is a place full of history and culture, with rich cultural heritage and unique folk customs, waiting for you to explore and experience. Here, you will feel the unique charm of Chaoyang, as if you are in a living historical scroll. Come to Chaoyang, let's uncover the mystery of this ancient capital together! 🎉🎉🎉

Youshun Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Chaoyang that has preserved its traditional architectural style. The outer walls of the main hall are inlaid with vivid stone carvings, and other features such as the coiled dragon reliefs on the flagpoles, the Buddhist decorations on the lintels of the mountain gate and the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, and the stone railings and couplets all reflect the style of Tibetan Buddhism and the architectural and cultural characteristics of the Kangxi, Qianlong, and Guangxu periods.

Without any strategy, I came across this city - "Sanyan Capital", formerly known as "Longcheng". There are many poems about Longcheng, but I don't know if they refer to the ancient Chaoyang City here, to be verified. In the morning fog, I woke up early and went to the ancient city of Chaoyang before breakfast - Beita, Nanta, Youshun Temple, Murong Street, Daling River... I left this unexpected ancient city after breakfast. What was unexpected was that there was no charge here, and incense was provided free of charge to the pilgrims, which was puzzling, as it was out of place!? There are many local people who believe in Buddhism and worship Buddha, and the incense in the temple is continuous, and even Beita and Nanta have worshippers.

Chaoyang Youshun Temple, a key cultural relic protection unit in Chaoyang, a popular tourist attraction, Tibetan Buddhism, a small temple. There is a vegetarian restaurant to the north of the entrance, open to the public, where you can try the food, it's delicious,

Compared to the Chaoyang South Pagoda, which has a history of more than nine hundred years, the history of Youshun Temple seems insignificant. However, it is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in Northeast China. This temple is commonly known as 'Lama Temple' by the locals. It was founded in the 37th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1698) and took eight years to complete. The scale and status of the temple were unparalleled in the Liaoxi region, and it was personally named 'Youshun Temple' by Emperor Kangxi, which means 'Heaven's blessing and the people's obedience, great virtue leads to universal harmony.' Now, Youshun Temple has primarily become a Han Buddhism temple. It covers an area of about 15,000 square meters. Although some of its affiliated buildings and Buddha statues were damaged in the early years, the main structure is well-preserved. In 2006, it was declared a national key cultural relics protection unit. ps: When I arrived, the temple was under maintenance, the main gate was locked, and I had to enter through a small door behind the side screen wall. On the archway in front of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, there are lifelike carvings of dragons, indicating that this is a royal temple. If you observe carefully, you will find that the inscription below the plaque of the Hall of Heavenly Kings is engraved in five languages: Manchu, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, and Han, with the words 'Erected on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the forty-third year of Emperor Kangxi of the Great Qing Dynasty.' On the archway at the back, there are carvings of the golden-winged Garuda and the Eight Treasures of Buddhism, which are distinct features of Tibetan Buddhism. The Mahavira Hall is the tallest building in the temple, and the Buddha statues inside were recently restored, offering little of interest. However, the twenty-three pieces of Tibetan Buddhist stone carvings embedded in the exterior wall of the hall are quite stunning. Particularly on the north side of the Mahavira Hall, among the thirteen stone carvings, the one in the center depicts the portrait of the founding abbot of Youshun Temple, Master Suzhuke Tu. Some of these carvings have clear dates and were made during the Qing Dynasty, while others, without specific dates, have a style more akin to the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. Therefore, some speculate that Youshun Temple may have been rebuilt on the site of an even older temple.

Chaoyang is the center of Buddhism. There are hundreds of ancient towers and ancient temples in the three Yan, Tang, Liao, Jin, Yuan and Qing dynasties, ranking first in the Northeast. These tower temples have a long history and are well preserved. They have a high historical value and artistic appreciation value. Many of them are national key cultural relics protection units or provincial key cultural relics protection units. They are highly respected by religious circles and are well received by tourists from all over the country. Favor. There is a Qing-style ancient building complex near the South Tower at the eastern end of Xinhua Road in Chaoyang City. The street is a tall archway, and in front of it is a cultural leisure square. A marble paved road leads directly from the archway to the mountain gate, and the rainy road is green on both sides. As soon as you enter the mountain gate, the two rows of manicured pine walls extend to the end of the temple. The towering ancient cymbals are accompanied by verdant pines and cypresses to cover the quaint temples. This quiet and solemn Buddhist shrine is the largest and largest Lamaism temple in the western part of Liaoning. According to Qingkang fifty-four years (1715), "Yu Shun Temple Inscription", the temple is the capital of the Lama, the emperor of the Emperor Kangxi in the 37th year of Emperor Kangxi (1698). It was built by the court. After more than eight years of hard work, the temple was finally completed. Subsequently, Zurzi Su lived in the Ktu Lama and asked the Emperor Kang to give the temple the name "Yushun Temple", taking "Shangtian Xueyou to the people" and "Dadexing is the best in the world". And a statue of sandalwood Buddha.