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Outside the south gate of the ancient city of Shangqiu, Henan Province, on the banks of the ancient Song River, lies a scenic spot: the inscription by the renowned calligrapher Yan Zhenqing, titled "Eight Passages Fast." The full name of the Eight Passages Fast is "A Record of the Eight Passages Fasts Gathered by Officials of Song Prefecture in the Tang Dynasty to Report Virtue." The eight-sided stone pagoda was erected in 772 AD during the reign of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty.
At the end of Emperor Xuanzong's Tianbao reign (756), Tian Shengong served as a county historian. During the An-Shi Rebellion, he joined the rebel generals Nan Dexin and Liu Congjian in the siege of Suiyang (present-day Shangqiu). However, Tian Shengong killed Nan Dexin, drove out Liu Congjian, and led his troops to surrender to the imperial court, lifting the siege of Suiyang. After his surrender, Tian Shengong was appointed Minister of Rites and later transferred to become Governor of Xuzhou and Jiedushi of Zibo and Qingzhou. In the first year of Emperor Daizong's Baoying reign (762), the rebels attacked again, and Tian Shengong again lifted the siege of Suiyang. Later, Tian Shengong received numerous commendations from the court. The year after the An-Shi Rebellion subsided, he was appointed Jiedushi of Bian Song and later promoted to Prince Taishi of the Crown Prince and Prince of Xindu. In April of the seventh year of the Dali reign of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty (772), Tian Shengong fell ill with a fever. The people of Suiyang proposed to the government that they hold an Eight Precepts Fast to pray for Tian Shengong and repay his kindness in saving Suiyang from danger. To record this event, Yan Zhenqing accepted the invitation and wrote this article in his own hand.
With a temperate monsoon climate, Baguanzhai is located on the bank of the ancient Song River outside the south gate of Shangqiu ancient city. The stories of "Old Man Under the Moon" and "A Thousand Miles of Marriage Ties a Thread" took place here. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Inside the Baguanzhai, there is an octagonal stone pagoda, 3.2 meters high and 0.5 meters wide on each side. On it is inscribed "Record of the Gratitude of the Baguanzhai Meeting in Songzhou of the Tang Dynasty" written by the famous calligrapher Yan Zhenqing in his later years to thank Henan Jiedushi Tian Shengong for lifting the siege of Songzhou twice. There are 983 characters on the whole stone tablet. It has a rigorous structure, square body and round brushstrokes, and is dignified and majestic. The strokes combine the style of seal and clerical scripts. It is praised as a masterpiece and divine work of Yan's calligraphy and is suitable for travel.
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The Eight Precepts is a historic religious site in Shangqiu, Henan, associated with Buddhist practices. It reflects traditional Chinese religious architecture and serves as a place for spiritual reflection and study of Buddhist precepts.
The site is generally open during daylight hours, around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Morning and late afternoon are best for quieter visits and photography.
Entrance is free; no formal tickets are required.
Advance booking is not necessary.
1–2 hours is sufficient to explore the site and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided tours and audio guides are generally not available; visitors explore independently.
Enter through the main gate, explore central halls, walk through courtyards and gardens, and exit from the side or main entrance for a complete visit.
No organized night visits or light shows; the site is typically closed after sunset.
The site is usually quiet. Weekdays and mornings are the least crowded times.
Facilities are minimal; visitors should bring water and snacks. Basic amenities may be found nearby in the city.
Some areas may have steps or uneven paths. Elderly and disabled visitors should exercise caution. Children can visit safely under supervision.
Cash is recommended for small purchases nearby; mobile payments may be accepted in nearby shops.
Local eateries and small restaurants are available in the surrounding Shangqiu area, serving traditional Henan cuisine.
Vegetarian options are usually available; halal options are limited and require local inquiry.
Shangqiu city offers hotels and guesthouses within a short distance of the Eight Precepts site.
Small shops nearby may offer religious items, local handicrafts, and Henan-themed souvenirs.
