The First Temple of Lushan: Guangfu Temple and the Legend of the Nine-Dragon Cypress

The Crown Jewel of Lushan

1.Located halfway up the verdant Lushan: Mountain in Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Guangfu Temple (Guangfu Si) stands as the largest and oldest architectural complex in the scenic area. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, it overlooks the shimmering waters of Qionghai Lake to the east and borders the Anning River to the west. As the primary temple of Lushan, it serves as the core of the mountain's famous "Three Religions in One" cultural landscape, where Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism have coexisted harmoniously for over a millennium. The temple complex is built along the mountain's central axis, rising in seven distinct levels that blend magnificent Tang and Ming dynasty architectural styles with the lush natural surroundings. It is celebrated not only for its religious significance but also as the premier viewing deck for the "Songfeng Shuiyue" (Pine Wind and Water Moon) scenery, earning it the reputation of being a "Buddhist Pearl" in the scenic southwest of Sichuan.

A Thousand Years of History

2.The history of Guangfu: Temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It was originally known as "Feiliang Temple" or "Lushan Temple." Legend has it that in the 15th year of the Zhenguan reign (642 AD), the monk Ciren (also known as Elder Changmei) from Emei Mountain was captivated by the spiritual aura of Lushan and established the temple here. It was renamed "Guangfu Temple" during the Ming Dynasty and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions through the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties to achieve its current grandeur. The temple's enduring presence is a testament to the region's role on the Southern Silk Road, serving as a spiritual anchor for travelers and locals alike. It stands as a rare example of religious tolerance, sharing the mountain with Taoist shrines like Qingyang Palace and Confucian landmarks like Wenchang Palace, reflecting a unique cultural fusion that has persisted since the rule of Empress Wu Zetian.

The Legend of the Nine-Dragon Cypress

3.One of the most iconic features of Guangfu: Temple is the "Nine-Dragon Han Cypress" (Jiulong Hanbai) standing in the courtyard. This ancient tree, planted during the Han Dynasty, is a biological marvel. Although the tree itself has withered, its trunk remains preserved, standing tall and majestic. The twisted, gnarled branches intertwine to resemble nine dragons coiling towards the sky, earning it the title of "King of Trees in Bashu." It is a symbol of the temple's longevity and spiritual power. Visitors are often awestruck by its unique form, which looks like a living sculpture forged by time. Beside the cypress stands a massive shadow wall, on the back of which is carved the famous poem Singing of the Torch Festival at Lushan by the Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Shen (Yang Sheng'an). His verses vividly describe the spectacle of the Yi people's Torch Festival, linking the temple to the vibrant local ethnic culture.

The Best View of Qionghai

Architecturally, the temple is a masterpiece of vertical layout. Visitors ascend through the Hall of Heavenly Kings to reach the Mahavira Hall (Great Buddha Hall), which houses a magnificent bronze statue of Sakyamuni cast in the Ming Dynasty. The statue exhibits the exquisite craftsmanship of the era with a serene and compassionate expression. However, the highlight for many is the Wanghai Tower (Looking-at-Sea Tower), also known as the Yinyun Pavilion. Standing on this high pavilion offers the most breathtaking panoramic view of Qionghai Lake and the entire Xichang city. On a clear day, the lake looks like a giant jade mirror reflecting the blue sky and green mountains, while the city spreads out below in a harmonious blend of urban life and nature. It is the perfect spot to experience the poetic imagery of "Pine Wind on Lushan and Water Moon of Qionghai".