Chongshansi Temple

Last updated by chinatravel at 2016/10/27

Chongshan Temple was initially built in the early period of the Tang Dynasty (618 -907) and the later period of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). Its original name is Baima Temple, and then changed into Yanshou Temple. In accordance to the plaque of the causes of the establishment of the temple, Chongshan Temple was built by Jin Emperor, the third son of Emperor Zhuyuanzhang (1328-1398), first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), for memorizing his mother. From the 16th year of Hongwu period (1383) to the 24th year of Hongwu Period (1391), on the basis of the original Yanshou Temple, Jin Emperor built Chongshan Temple for his mother.

The existing architecture in Chongshan Temple is a group of architecture those main body is Dabei Temple. The area of the existing Chongshan Temple is 80% of its original one. However, the structure of it is precise, dignified and majestic. The existing main architectures of Chongshan Temple are mountain door, bell tower, the eastern and western wing-room and Dabei Temple. Dabei Temple sits on the broad basis, forming a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The hall is equipped with heavy eaves, currently; it is the most well-preserved wooden architecture of the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China. The ancient drum pavilions and bell pavilions are standing along both sides of Dabei Temple. In the east of the mountain door, there is a big bell on the bell tower which was built in the 1st year of Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty (1505). With a weight of 9,999.5 jin, the pattern of the big bell is classic. The bell toll can be heard across the whole city.

Besides, this temple also keeps numerous precious cultural relics, such as sculptures, paintings and sutras and others. The three sculptures in the hall of Dabei Temple are Kwan-yin, Wenshu Bodhisattva and Puxian Bodhisattva. The sculpture of Kwan-yin in the middle is the most precise one. It is 8.5 meters in height and gold. She wraps a green piece of cloth around her shoulder, looking calm and mellow. Her face is round, pretty and vivid.

Solo Adventure Tips:


How to Get There?
take the NO. 843, 819, 818 bus, then walk to Chongshan Temple. You can also take NO.2 or NO.3 bus in the downtown of Taiyuan and get off at Hongshi Street.

Ticket Price:

Opening Hours:

More Tips:
Recommendatory Touring Time: three hours

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