Chongshan Temple

Chongshan Temple is located on Huangmiao Lane, Wuyi Road, in Taiyuan. First built in the Tang dynasty (618-907), it was once called White Horse Temple. In 1381, the temple was renovated and extended by the third son of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming dynasty, in memory of his mother, and renamed Chongshan Temple. Most of the temple was destroyed during the reign of the Qing Emperor Tongzhi (1856-1875). Covering an area of 40.4 acres, the temple has become an important cultural site under the protection of Shanxi Province and is home to the Buddhist Association of Shanxi Province.

The current temple includes the Bell Tower, Dabei Hall, and the east and west wings. A high-quality specimen of Ming dynasty architecture, Dabei Hall has been preserved in immaculate condition. The design of Avalokitesvara with one thousand hands and one thousand eyes is spectacular. The hall also has Buddhist scriptures from the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties as well as picture albums of Buddha's deeds and his 53 disciples. The three gilded mud statues of Bodhisattvas, rare artworks of the Ming dynasty, are all around 8 meters (26.2 feet) high and retain their vivid colors and smooth forms.