Mesmerized by the Arhats of Chongqing Temple

Nestled in the southeastern foothills of Ziyun Mountain, 22 kilometers from Changzi County in Changzhi, Shanxi, lies a thousand-year-old temple—Chongqing Temple. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this serene and secluded site is truly a hidden gem. Though modest in size (about 1,650 square meters), it houses national treasure-level artistic masterpieces! In 1996, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

A Thousand-Year Legacy with Song Dynasty Charm
Chongqing Temple was founded in the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1016). Its key sculptures were completed in the second year of the Yuanfeng era (1079). Despite later renovations, the most precious essence of Song Dynasty art still quietly shines here.

Compact Layout, Concentrated Treasures
The temple faces south and features two small courtyards. On the central axis are the Tianwang Hall (Mountain Gate) and the main hall, Qianfo Hall. The western side houses the San Dashi Hall (Arhat Hall), which is the absolute highlight! The Dizang Hall in the northwest corner also holds treasures.

The Temple's Crown Jewel: Priceless Song Dynasty Clay Sculptures
The most awe-inspiring aspect of Chongqing Temple isn't its architecture but its well-preserved Northern Song Dynasty clay sculptures, especially the eighteen Arhats in the San Dashi Hall:

1️⃣ Qianfo Hall: Features one Buddha, two Bodhisattvas, and a seated Guanyin, exuding ancient Song charm.
2️⃣ Tianwang Hall: Displays the Four Heavenly Kings, radiating majesty.
3️⃣ Dizang Hall: Houses sculptures of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings, masterpieces from 1079 with exquisite craftsmanship.
4️⃣ The Highlight of Highlights: Arhat Hall!
- Central figures: Guanyin (riding a mythical beast), Manjushri (seated on a lion), and Samantabhadra (mounted on an elephant), all grand and dignified.
- Side walls: Eighteen life-sized Arhat statues (about 1.6–1.7 meters tall), the true "stars" of the temple!

Core Value: These are the only existing Song Dynasty Arhats in China with a confirmed "birth certificate"! The hall's inscriptions provide solid evidence: they were sculpted in the second year of the Yuanfeng era (1079). Despite enduring a millennium, the Song Dynasty artistry still captivates.

Artistic Highlights:
- Realism: Robust physiques and lifelike facial features make them seem like Song-era "real people" meditating here.
- Dynamism: Clothing folds are sculpted with raised clay strips, showcasing fluidity and movement.
- Spirit: Each expression is unique—thoughtful, smiling, solemn—imbued with distinct personalities, as if the artisans infused their souls into the work.
- Excellence: A blend of realism and spirituality, solemnity with human warmth, epitomizing Eastern aesthetics.

Why You Must Visit❓️
This set of Song Dynasty Arhats, the only ones with a confirmed date, serves as a golden benchmark for studying Chinese sculpture history! Their exceptional craftsmanship, vivid individuality, and seamless fusion of religious sanctity with worldly charm make them a true national treasure.

Travel Tips:
⛳ Location: Southeastern foothills of Ziyun Mountain, Changzi County, Changzhi, Shanxi (recommended to drive or hire a car).
👀 Highlights: Head straight to the Arhat Hall to experience the awe of thousand-year-old Song sculptures. Don't miss Qianfo Hall and Dizang Hall either.