[2024 Lingshi Attraction] Travel Guide for Zishou Temple (Updated Nov)
Temples
Address:
007 Country Rd, Lingshi Xian, Jinzhong Shi, Shanxi Sheng, China
Opening times:
Opens at 09:00-22:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Lingshi | Zishou Temple (Free).
| Zishou Temple (Free). Often overlooked by tourists rushing to Wang Family Courtyard, this temple is very quiet. Zishou Temple is a masterpiece in terms of architecture, murals, and painted sculptures. All are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and are very precious and worth seeing. The gilded bas-relief coiled dragon caisson in the Medicine Buddha Hall is very ornamental. The Eighteen Arhats in the Three Bodhisattvas Hall have a story with Chen Youtai, chairman of the Taiwan Zhen Dan Group. Do you know what the story is?
sylvaris_1023
Pathfinder Episode 100: Zishou Temple is a place of tranquility amid the turmoil.
The fifth self-driving trip to Shanxi on National Day,
Day 4, first stop:
Zishou Temple, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City.
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Zishou Temple is located next to the Wang Family Courtyard in Lingshi County, Jinzhong. It is a small temple and is currently said to be the lower courtyard of the Shaolin Temple. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and underwent large-scale renovations in the Ming Dynasty. All the buildings seen so far are Ming Dynasty buildings, among which the statues of the Eighteen Arhats are the finest among the Ming Dynasty statues.
The fifth batch of nationally protected cultural relics.
Even though there is a traffic jam for several kilometers outside the Wang Family Courtyard, it is quiet here and feels like it is all to oneself.
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It's free, and parking is also free.
Bell_74+Wyatt
Zishou Temple.
《Zishou Temple Travel Guide》
I. Introduction
Zishou Temple is located in Suxicun Village, 10 kilometers east of Lingshi County, Shanxi Province. It faces south and backs onto Mount Mian in the east and the Fen River in the west. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the temple boasts beautiful scenery with lush trees and ancient buildings. It is a must-visit attraction among the ancient temples in Shanxi. The temple was founded in 870 during the reign of Emperor Xizong of Tang and rebuilt during the Song Dynasty. Its name derives from the hope that the Buddha would bless the people with longevity.
The temple's halls are majestic, with four-cornered eaves, towering pavilions, and numerous kiosks. The roof is decorated with three-color glazed tiles, creating a magnificent and imposing view. The temple is divided into two courtyards: the front courtyard houses the Hall of Heavenly Kings, while the main hall in the back courtyard is the Hall of Great Compassion and Thunderous Sound. The east and west corridors house the Halls of Amitabha Buddha, the Three Great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Erlang Shen. In addition, the northwest corner houses the Scripture Library, Zhenwu Pavilion, Abbot's Quarters, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, and Meditation Hall. The southeast corner houses the Guan Yu Temple and a stage.
II. Transportation Guide
1. Self-driving
If you choose to drive to Zishou Temple, you can use navigation software to locate Suxicun Village, Lingshi County, Shanxi Province. From surrounding cities, follow the expressway and exit at Lingshi. Then, follow the road signs to Zishou Temple. There is a parking lot near the temple for visitor convenience.
2. Public transportation
If you choose to take public transportation, you can first reach Lingshi County. After arriving at Lingshi Railway Station or Lingshi Bus Station by train or long-distance bus, you can take a local bus or taxi to Zishou Temple. Bus routes may change, so it is recommended to consult the local bus stop or driver before traveling. Taxis are relatively convenient, but may be more expensive.
III. Tour Route
1. Front Courtyard
Upon entering Zishou Temple, you will first arrive at the front courtyard. The entrance gate has a brick-carved screen wall with a reverse "eight" shape, which is the starting point of the temple's central axis. Follow the brick-paved corridor, which gradually rises towards the courtyard. Above the arched entrance gate is a gate tower with a gray ridge beast and green-glazed tiles. The eaves extend in four directions, supported by eight pillars, forming a covered walkway. From above, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire temple.
A plaque inscribed by Fu Shan, "Mountain and Forest Wild Interest," hangs above the entrance of the Hall of Heavenly Kings. The hall is three bays wide and two bays deep, with doors at both front and back, leading to the back courtyard.
2. Back Courtyard
On the platform in the center of the back courtyard stands the main hall of the temple, the Hall of Great Compassion and Thunderous Sound. The entrance has a horizontal plaque inscribed with "Myriad Virtues Towering." The central hall houses three statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, while the left and right halls are dedicated to Maitreya Buddha and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, respectively.
The Halls of Amitabha Buddha, the Three Great Bodhisattvas, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Erlang Shen in the east and west corridors each have their own unique features. Among them, the most fascinating is the collection of the Three Great Bodhisattvas. The statues of Guanyin and the 18 Arhats are exquisitely crafted, with lifelike expressions and varied postures. They are considered masterpieces of Ming Dynasty polychrome sculptures.
3. Other Buildings
After visiting the main hall and corridors, you can visit the Scripture Library, Zhenwu Pavilion, Abbot's Quarters, Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, and Meditation Hall in the northwest corner. These buildings are meticulously crafted and have elegant and simple designs, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient architecture.
The Guan Yu Temple and stage in the southeast corner are also worth seeing. They coexist with the main buildings, complementing each other and providing more sightseeing spots for visitors.
IV. Food Recommendations
1. Lingshi Snacks
While visiting Zishou Temple, don't miss the local snacks of Lingshi. Lingshi bone-weary is a traditional local dish made with red flour, mixed flour, and corn flour. It has a soft and glutinous texture and a delicious flavor. There is also Lingshi he-he rice, which is a combination of millet, potatoes, and vegetables. It is nutritious and a true farmer's dish.
2. Nearby Restaurants
If you want to try more local dishes, you can visit the restaurants near Zishou Temple. These restaurants offer a variety of local specialties, such as Lingshi deep-fried pork and Lingshi tofu. There are also some home-cooked dishes and snacks available.
V. Accommodation Arrangements
1. Lingshi County Town
If you want to stay in Lingshi County, you can choose a hotel or guesthouse in the county town. These accommodations offer good facilities and reasonable prices. Transportation from the county town to Zishou Temple is convenient, and you can take a bus or taxi.
2. Near Suxicun Village
If you want to be closer to Zishou Temple, you can choose to stay at a farmhouse or guesthouse near Suxicun Village. These accommodations offer beautiful surroundings and fresh air, allowing you to better experience the tranquility and comfort of rural life.
VI. Precautions
1. Respect Religious Beliefs
Zishou Temple is a Buddhist temple. Visitors should respect religious beliefs and comply with the temple's regulations. Do not make loud noises, smoke, or litter in the temple.
2. Pay Attention to Safety
Pay attention to safety when visiting the temple. Be careful when climbing stairs or pavilions to avoid falls. Also, protect cultural relics and ancient buildings. Do not touch or damage them.
3. Plan Your Time Wisely
The Zishou Temple scenic area is large and requires a certain amount of time to visit. It is recommended that visitors plan their time wisely and plan their itinerary in advance to avoid delays.
In conclusion, Zishou Temple is an ancient temple with a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is a great place for sightseeing, leisure, and vacation. This travel guide aims to assist you on your journey to Zishou Temple, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful scenery while experiencing the profoundness of Buddhist culture.
TranquilJourneys
Shanxi Ancient Charm/Zishou Temple: A Wonderful Encounter of Thousand-Year-Old Murals and Ming Dynasty Sculptures
🏠Shanxi Ancient Architecture | Zishou Temple ||🪷According to the stone stele in the temple, Lingshi Zishou Temple was first built in the 11th year of Emperor Yizong of Tang's Xiantong period (870 AD). The name 'Zishou' means 'to bless the emperor's path with long-lasting prosperity and to provide longevity to all living beings.' Essentially, it wishes for the royal family's fortune to remain prosperous and for the local people to enjoy longevity in a peaceful era.
🪷First, the murals: The temple houses large Yuan and Ming dynasty murals, comparable to the famous murals of Yongle Palace. The layout is well-balanced, and the characters are vividly expressive. I absolutely love them.
🪷Second, the Ming sculptures: The Ming dynasty colored sculptures, represented by the Eighteen Arhats, are uniquely crafted and have high artistic value.
🪷Third, the caisson: The caisson in the Medicine Buddha Hall is a masterpiece. The two central caissons, one large and one small, one square and one rectangular, are particularly notable. The large one is made of 256 sets of interlocking brackets, stacked in four layers, with a gilded eight-trigram coiled dragon carved in the center. The small one is made of 100 sets of interlocking brackets, stacked in two layers, with two dragons playing with a pearl in the center. The design is ingenious, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the colors are bright, all of which have high artistic and aesthetic value.
🪷The temple is not large but very welcoming. There are not many people in the morning, but there are many residents in the courtyard, all dressed as martial monks, matching the introduction at the entrance 'a branch temple of Shaolin.' They are busy and chatting, accompanied by the popular music 'Namo Amitabha' (to be released in the next article!), which is very cute. The hall offers incense, and it is quite prosperous, providing a great visual👀, auditory👂, and olfactory👃 experience.
💓Personal Preference: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🕐Time: 9:00-22:00, visit duration 1h
🎫Ticket: Free
🅿️Parking: Free
📍Location: Lingshi County, Jinzhong City
Hadrian_ain
The unassuming Zishou Temple
✅ Zishou Temple, commonly known as Suxi Temple, was founded in the eleventh year of the Xiantong period of the Tang Dynasty. In the sixteenth year of the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, it underwent large-scale repairs, and all existing buildings are from the Ming Dynasty.
✅ Zishou Temple is named for praying for the holy Buddha's blessings to bestow longevity on the people, and it has a history of over 1100 years.
✅ Zishou Temple is famous for its Yuan Dynasty murals and Ming Dynasty colored sculptures, and it is also known at home and abroad for the loss and subsequent recovery of the Eighteen Arhats' heads overseas.
✅ Main attractions: The 'Three Wonders' of Zishou Temple—Ming Dynasty colored sculptures, murals, and caisson ceilings.
1. There are more than 140 Ming Dynasty colored sculptures in Zishou Temple, each with a distinct expression and lifelike appearance. Among them, the Eighteen Arhats sculptures are considered the finest of their kind from the Ming Dynasty.
2. The Mahavira Hall, the Hall of the Medicine Buddha, and the Hall of Erlang God in Zishou Temple all preserve a considerable scale of Ming Dynasty murals, with smooth lines and obvious variations in thickness, giving an elegant feeling.
3. The colored caisson ceiling is the 'third wonder' of Zishou Temple. The caisson ceilings in the Hall of the Medicine Buddha, one large and one small, have a clever structure and are beautifully exquisite.
✅ Admission: Free, the temple is very quaint and peaceful.