Daxing Temple in Wenshan City
Overview of Daxing Temple (大兴寺)
The Daxing Temple (大兴寺), located in Wenshan City (文山城), is a tranquil site of Buddhist cultural significance. Designated as a Yunnan provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit (云南省文物保护单位), the temple is renowned for its serene atmosphere and its role as a spiritual sanctuary for both locals and visitors.
The temple was originally built during the 32nd year of the Wanli Era (万历) of the Ming Dynasty (明朝) in 1604. Initially, it served as the ancestral temple for the Dragon Clan Chieftain (龙土司), and was later rebuilt in the early years of the Kangxi Era (康熙) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝). The reconstruction was sponsored by Feiya, a monk from Mount Wutai (五台山飞涯高僧), who decided to build the temple after admiring the beautiful landscape along the Panlong River (盘龙河).
Historical Background
According to legend, Master Feiya placed a copper coin in the waters of the North Bridge section of the Panlong River (北桥河段). The coin drifted downstream until it reached the waters by Yongji Bridge (永济桥), where it stopped and began spinning on the surface. Recognizing this as an auspicious sign, Feiya decided to convert the Dragon Clan’s ancestral temple (龙土司宗祠) into a Buddhist temple. In 1666, during the 5th year of the Kangxi Era, the temple was rebuilt and named Daxing Temple (大兴寺).
Today, Daxing Temple covers an area of 3,539.6 square meters and faces east, welcoming the sunlight throughout the day. The daily sound of morning bells and evening drums adds to the temple’s peaceful atmosphere, deeply rooted in the lives of Wenshan’s residents. Two towering osmanthus trees (桂树) grace the entrance, their swaying branches offering a picturesque and serene welcome to all who enter.
Architecture and Layout
Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted by the Heavenly King Hall (天王宝殿), which exudes an overwhelming sense of golden light, with red pillars and brown walls complementing the timeless essence of the Buddhist sanctuary. The right side of the temple courtyard features ancient stone tablets, including a rare tablet from the old Wenyuan Gate (威远门), the former gateway of Wenshan’s ancient city.
Past the Heavenly King Hall, visitors arrive at a spacious central courtyard, surrounded by stone pathways. At the far end stands the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), a majestic structure that impresses with its grandeur. The stairs leading to the hall are inscribed with a meaningful couplet:
“All worldly matters are transient, and accumulating virtue leads to lasting rewards;
Life is fleeting, but each step on the path of cultivation is a return to the source.”
世事皆空积善无非图结果，人生浮幻修行一步即为根。
The wisdom embedded in this couplet reveals the profound teachings that visitors can reflect upon as they explore the temple.
Over its 400-year history, Daxing Temple has undergone numerous restorations, including the re-sculpting of 36 golden Buddha statues (36尊菩萨金身). Every first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, the temple is filled with worshippers, with incense smoke rising and light shining, casting a serene glow over the bustling city. The temple stands as a beacon of Buddhist tradition and an architectural gem in the heart of Wenshan City.
Cultural Significance
Daxing Temple serves as a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices of Wenshan’s people. It is not only a place for Buddhist devotees but also an excellent site for tourists to experience the region’s rich history and Buddhist heritage.
As home to the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Buddhist Association (文山壮族苗族自治州佛教协会), established in 2005, the temple plays an important role in guiding local Buddhists in following the tenets of the faith, respecting Buddhist codes, and participating in charitable work.
Attractions
- Heavenly King Hall (天王宝殿)
- Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿)
- Weituo Hall (韦驮殿)
- East and West Side Halls (东西配殿)
- Ancient stone tablets, including the Wenyuan Gate plaque (威远门石门匾)
Modern Features and Amenities
The temple is surrounded by convenient services, including hospitals, supermarkets, and hotels, making it a comfortable visit for travelers. Several bus routes, such as the 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, and 37 lines, provide easy access to the temple.
How to Get There
To reach Daxing Temple, visitors can use the following options:
- By Bus: Many city buses, including routes 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, and 37, pass near the temple. Get off at Kaifa Road (开化中路) or Shuangqiao Garden (双桥花园).
- By Taxi: Taxis are available throughout Wenshan City, and drivers are familiar with the temple’s location at Kaifa Middle Road (开化中路).
- By Foot: If you are in the downtown area, the temple is within walking distance from many central locations.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The temple is open year-round, but it is most lively during Buddhist festivals and the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
- Respectful Conduct: Visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, especially during prayer times. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so it is best to ask for permission.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing is encouraged, as the temple is a place of worship. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothes.
For those seeking a spiritual retreat in the heart of the city, Daxing Temple offers a serene and culturally rich environment, perfect for reflection and a deeper understanding of Buddhism in Wenshan (文山佛教文化).
