One mountain, two temples, separated by a wall, Nanchan Temple & Fazhuang Temple

Taking a car from Xining to the foot of Nanshan, passing under the stone archway inscribed with the words 'Lilac Garden',
and slowly climbing along the mountain path, you will arrive at the entrance of Nanshan Temple. The Lilac Garden is lush with vegetation, and from a high vantage point, you can view the cityscape. Climbing up the steps, you first see 'Nanchan Temple', and going up the stairs to the left of Nanchan Temple, you reach 'Fazhuang Temple'.
Nanchan Temple, also known as Nanshan Temple, is located on the northern slope of Phoenix Mountain. It is said that during the Northern Song Dynasty, a temple was already built on Phoenix Mountain, forming a certain scale. In the second year of the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, some halls were destroyed due to war. Later, during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, after more than ten years of efforts through fundraising and donations, a large-scale hall complex was finally built. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient architectural complexes in Xining and an important place for Han Chinese Buddhist believers in the local and surrounding areas to conduct religious activities.
Fazhuang Temple is the largest Han Chinese Buddhist nunnery in Qinghai Province. It was relocated here in 2003 to make way for the construction of the Xita (Xining-Tar Temple) Expressway from Yuanshuzhuang. It was later relocated to its current site and reopened in 2009. This place was originally the site of the 'Nanshan Literary Garden'.

Post by WESTLEY MANNING | Aug 9, 2024