Jixiang Temple

Jixiang Temple, on Mount Wutai in Shanxi province, is 2,440 meters above sea level and covered in green and surrounded by streams, with a cool, refreshing climate.

Although the year of its founding is still unknown, it played an important role in Buddhist culture and been restored several times over the years, once during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) by the monk En Tan. It began growing in fame during the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when the Great Master San Mei Ji Guang began preaching here. Then, in the 20th C, from 1952 to 1964, Great Master Neng Hai and 70 of his disciples lived here, which made an important center for Buddhism in China.

The temple has several sites with different figures of Buddha, a chanting room for scriptures and various other halls. The figures all had bright colors and an important place in Buddhism, before being destroyed, in 1966, during the "cultural revolution" and the decade of chaos. Restoration work is under way to restore their glory.

There are also relics, including a Buddhist sculpture from Myanmar and porcelain bottles that have been preserved in another temple on the mountain, since 1966, which can still be seen. To get to the mountain's Middle or Western Peaks, people have to pass through the temple. Another attraction is nearby Qingliang Bridge.