Chongqing Temple, Changzhi

Chongqing Temple in Changzhi is one of the treasures of existing Song Dynasty polychrome sculptures in China, renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship and high artistic value. Although not large in scale, it is said that "the temple is small but the divine power is great," holding an important position in the history of Chinese art and religious art. Chongqing Temple is located on the mountainside of Ziyun Mountain, 22.5 kilometers southeast of Changzi County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province. It was founded in the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1016 AD) and has been repaired throughout successive dynasties. It is a nationally protected key cultural relic. It is said that Buddhist activities existed at this site during the Tang Dynasty. The main buildings and core polychrome sculptures currently preserved in the temple retain the style and spirit of the Song Dynasty. Despite repairs and additions during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, the Song Dynasty appearance of the core parts (such as the Thousand Buddha Hall) has been well preserved. The temple faces south and is built against the mountain, representing a typical traditional Chinese courtyard architectural complex. The main halls are arranged along the central axis, including: - Hall of Heavenly Kings (Mountain Gate) - Thousand Buddha Hall (the temple’s main hall) - Bodhisattva Hall (Reclining Buddha Hall) - Kṣitigarbha Hall - Guan Di Hall - Ten Emperors Hall, etc. The entire layout is compact and rigorous, harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural environment. The essence of Chongqing Temple is almost entirely concentrated in its Song Dynasty polychrome sculptures, especially the statues inside the Thousand Buddha Hall. 1. Thousand Buddha Hall - The Pinnacle of Song Dynasty Polychrome Sculpture The Thousand Buddha Hall (Figures 16-18) is the main hall of Chongqing Temple, three bays wide and three bays deep, with its beam structure still original from the Song Dynasty. Inside the hall are enshrined the Buddhas of the Three Times (past, present, and future) along with attendant bodhisattvas, disciples, and heavenly kings, together forming a complete and magnificent Song Dynasty Buddhist sculptural system. Three Buddhas of the Three Times: The Buddha statues have full and dignified faces, with a kind and serene expression. The drapery flows naturally, reflecting the realistic, restrained, and humanized style of Song Dynasty Buddha statues. The halos behind the Buddhas are intricately and exquisitely carved, exemplifying Song Dynasty decorative art. Attendant Bodhisattvas: This is the most eye-catching part of Chongqing Temple’s polychrome sculptures. The bodhisattva statues are graceful, with plump skin, beautiful faces, gentle expressions, full of feminine softness and compassion. Their clothing is splendid, with delicate jewelry and flowing robes that feel as soft as silk. They are praised as the "Venus of the East." Heavenly Kings and Guardians: These figures are powerful, muscular, and dynamic, forming a sharp contrast with the calm Buddhas and bodhisattvas, showcasing the superb realism and artistic expression of Song Dynasty sculptors. The Song Dynasty polychrome sculptures of Chongqing Temple break away from the solemnity and mystery of Tang Dynasty Buddha statues, becoming closer to ordinary people and pursuing a serene, harmonious, and elegant aesthetic full of life’s warmth. 2. Polychrome Sculptures in Other Halls Bodhisattva Hall (Reclining Buddha Hall) (Figures 1-15): Houses statues of the three great bodhisattvas—Guanyin, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra—also Song Dynasty works, stylistically consistent with those in the Thousand Buddha Hall. Nearby are the Eighteen Arhats statues, rare treasures in the history of sculpture. Kṣitigarbha Hall and Ten Emperors Hall (Figures 19-20): These halls contain statues of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Ten Yama Kings, and judge ghosts, mostly from the Ming Dynasty. The scenes are solemn and hold high artistic and religious research value. Chongqing Temple in Changzhi is an artistic treasure trove "hidden away and unknown to the world." It lacks a famous reputation but possesses top-tier artworks that rival or even surpass many well-known temples. For visitors who truly love ancient Chinese art, history, and culture, witnessing the Song Dynasty polychrome sculptures of Chongqing Temple in person is an incredibly precious and soul-stirring experience. The entrance ticket to Chongqing Temple is 10 yuan, and the round-trip sightseeing bus fare is 15 yuan, totaling 25 yuan. This is a very reasonable price. Although the temple is small, every piece is a masterpiece, so be sure to reserve enough time to appreciate it. Everyone must go see this national treasure; it is one of the must-visit places in a lifetime [Love][Love]