Zhongshan Xishan Temple: More Than Just an Ancient Temple, a Time Capsule
Introduction
• Historical Origins: Xishan Temple, originally named Renshou Chanlin, is located on Xishan in Shiqi District, Zhongshan. It was initially built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty as a study for Mao Kezhen, a local scholar. Later, it was converted into a temple, and it has a history of over 400 years.
• Architectural Layout: Xishan Temple faces south, with two courtyards and a hard-sloping roof. It features a beam-lifting wooden structure, covering an area of approximately 1671.85 square meters, with a building area of 1363.46 square meters. There are side rooms on both sides of the front courtyard, and the corridors on both sides of the patio have arched roofs. There are also side halls on both sides of the rear courtyard.
• Main Halls: The temple houses the Garan Hall, Weituo Hall, Mahavira Hall, Zhunti Hall, Guanyin Hall, Sixth Patriarch Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, and Pagoda Hall.
• Cultural Relics: Embedded in the temple walls is a stone inscription dating back to the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. In addition, there is a plaque inscribed with "Renshou Chanlin" and a couplet on both sides that reads "Red Cotton's Old Shade, Blessed Land's Renewed Light." The powerful calligraphy is said to have been written with fists by Zhang Yutang, a renowned calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty, and is known as "Fist Calligraphy."
• Historical Significance: The Xishan Temple historical and cultural district witnessed the expansion of Xiangshan Iron City, the construction of city walls and roads, and the development of arcade streets. It also bears witness to the eastward spread of Western influence in modern times and the historical changes in modern commercial development. It embodies the rich heritage of Xiangshan's maritime culture, commercial culture, and overseas Chinese culture.
• Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00, open year-round and free of charge.
• Transportation: 🚗Navigate to Xishan Temple. Parking spaces are limited, and the road in front of the temple is often congested. Public transportation is recommended.
• Visiting Experience: You can burn incense and worship Buddha in the temple. It is said that the standing Guanyin statue on the front courtyard's screen wall can protect against misfortune, the Sakyamuni Buddha in the Mahavira Hall can grant wishes, and Manjushri Bodhisattva can bless studies, reading, and exams. You can also buy a wishing ribbon and make a wish under the centuries-old kapok tree, or purchase an amulet at an affordable price. In addition, visitors can admire the cliff carvings at the entrance, the "Fist Calligraphy," and other architectural features. Ascend the Liumian Ancient Road to visit the Zhongshan Memorial Library, Laiqing Pavilion, and the Zhongshan County Martyrs Monument. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, the temple offers vegetarian meals for CNY 10 per serving, which is worth trying.