Xiangyan Temple in Xichuan: A Millennium-Old Secluded Temple Hidden in the Mountains of Henan

While temples across the country are becoming increasingly commercialized and noisy, a transcendent ancient Zen temple, Xiangyan Temple, lies hidden in Xichuan, Henan. Like a pearl left behind by the world, it quietly tells its thousand-year-old story, exuding a unique charm of rustic seclusion. Xiangyan Temple is located in Cangfang Town, Xichuan County, in southwestern Henan Province, nestled on the west bank of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, Asia's largest artificial freshwater lake. Surrounded by mountains and lush forests, the terrain resembles a lotus flower, with the temple situated right in the center of the lotus platform. The scenery changes with each season. With "cool breezes brushing the ridges and verdant cliffs embracing the temple," the superb natural conditions keep it far from the hustle and bustle of the world, preserving its ancient simplicity and tranquility. Originally built during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, Xiangyan Temple has a history of over 1,300 years and is known as one of the four most famous temples in the Central Plains, alongside the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, and the Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng. The original upper and lower temples faced each other across a distance of 30 li. Unfortunately, the lower temple has been submerged by the waters of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, leaving only the upper temple. This time-honored temple, with its 144 existing rooms, is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Its buildings are constructed along the mountainside, with the main structures on the central axis arranged in a well-proportioned and magnificent manner, showcasing the style of the grandest temple in the Central Plains. The history of this ancient temple is full of legends. It once served as the spiritual center for two imperial preceptors. In the second year of the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, Monk Huizhong, a disciple of Huineng, the founder of the Southern Chan School, built a thatched hut here and preached Buddhist scriptures for over 40 years. He was later summoned to the capital by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and served as an advisor to three generations of emperors, earning the title of imperial preceptor for two dynasties. The predecessor of Xiangyan Temple, "Changshou Temple," was built by Emperor Daizong for Imperial Preceptor Huizhong. Later, due to the lingering fragrance of incense, Huizhong's disciples renamed it Xiangyan Temple. This was also the place where an emperor became a monk. In the fifth year of the Kaicheng period of the Tang Dynasty, Prince Li Yi, to escape persecution by Emperor Wuzong, shaved his head and became a monk at Xiangyan Temple for seven years. He later ascended the throne as Emperor Xuanzong. Legend has it that he once fell into a deep valley within the temple, but at the critical moment, a thick fog enveloped him, helping him escape. The "Disaster Relief Sacred Ground" inside the Sutra Depository today bears witness to this legend. The stories of Xiangyan Temple are also hidden in every plant and tree. The 1,300-year-old male ginkgo tree at the temple gate, thick and tall, with a diameter of 2 meters and a circumference of 6 meters, is extremely rare. The female ginkgo tree by the bamboo forest outside the courtyard stands facing it from afar. Legend has it that it was planted by the princesses of the Tang Dynasty, expressing their endless longing for the prince who stayed in the temple for a long time. The architecture within the temple is also unique. The "Passing Hall," also known as the Reception Hall, was built in the fifth year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Unique among temples nationwide, it was a special place for Xiangyan Temple to receive important officials. The Mahavira Hall is the largest wooden-frame structure hall in the Central Plains, originally built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. With its flying eaves, brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters, it combines the architectural styles of both northern and southern China. The hall houses the "Three Wonders and One Treasure" of the Central Plains—wood carvings, brick carvings, stone carvings, and the ancient mural "Imperial Assembly," covering over 400 square meters. Although somewhat damaged over the years, it remains a precious cultural heritage of China. There is also the romantic "Moon Gazing Pavilion," named after Emperor Xuanzong, who once contemplated the moon here. The millennium-old Xiangyan Temple, carrying profound history and culture, boasts numerous relics and touching stories, and is surrounded by a tranquil and pleasant environment. It is not only a sacred place for devout believers but also an excellent destination for tourists to explore history and enjoy tranquility, awaiting more people to unveil its mysterious and charming veil.