Xuanzhong Temple

History

Northern Wei

Xuanzhong Temple was built in the 470s, in the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), the construction took four years, and lasted from 472 to 476. Tan-luan, founder of Pure Land Buddhism, settled at Xuanzhong Temple in his declining years, where he taught Pure Land school for many years, and attracted large numbers of practitioners.

Sui dynasty

In 619, namely the 5th year of Daye period in the Sui dynasty (581–618), Daochuo resided in Xuanzhong Temple and publicized Buddhism until his death in 645.

Tang dynasty

In 635, in the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty (618–907), Emperor Taizong visited Xuanzhong Temple, he gave many priceless treasures to the temple and honored the name "Shibi Yongning Temple" (石壁永宁寺). In 812, Emperor Xianzong named it "Longshan Shibi Yongning Temple" (龙山石壁永宁寺).

Song dynasty

In 1090, in the reign of Emperor Zhezong in the Song dynasty (960–1127), a fire destroyed most of its buildings. The monk Daozhen (道珍) reconstructed the temple.

Jin dynasty

In 1186, in the reign of Emperor Shizong in the Jin dynasty (1115–1234), the temple was demolished in a fire. Monk Yuanzhao (元钊) rebuilt it.

Yuan dynasty

In 1238, the Emperor Taizong of the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) changed its name to "Longshan Huguo Yongning Shifang Daxuanzhong Chan Temple" (龙山护国永宁十方大玄中禅寺), which known simply as "Xuanzhong Temple". Under the support of the imperial court, abbot Huixin (惠信) restored the temple and the temple had reached unprecedented heyday.

Qing dynasty

During the Tongzhi and Guangxu periods (1862–1908) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Xuanzhong Temple became dilapidated for neglect.

People's Republic of China

The local government began to rebuild the temple since 1954; only the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings preserves the original building of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). In 1983, Xuanzhong Temple was designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China. In November 2012, Xuanzhong Temple was categorized as an AAAA level tourist site by the China National Tourism Administration.