The Beamless Wonder: Wannian Temple and the Heart of Mount Emei's Puxian Culture

The Core of the Puxian Dojo

1.Located in the middle section of the Mount: Emei Scenic Area in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, Wannian Temple (Wannian Si) stands as one of the oldest and most significant monasteries on the mountain. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,020 meters, it is roughly 15 kilometers from both the Baoguo Temple at the foot of the mountain and the Golden Summit at the peak. As one of the "Four Major Temples" of Mount Emei, Wannian Temple is a key component of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Originally established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (397-401 AD) by the high monk Baozhang and initially named "Puxian Temple," it was renamed Wannian Temple (meaning "Temple of Ten Thousand Years") during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty to symbolize the wish for the emperor's longevity and the eternal stability of the nation. Today, it serves as the spiritual heart of the Samantabhadra (Puxian) Bodhisattva worship on Mount Emei, attracting countless pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.

2.The Architectural Miracle: The Beamless Brick Hall

The most iconic structure within the temple complex is the Beamless Brick Hall (Wuliang Zhuan Dian). Built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), this architectural marvel is constructed entirely of brick and stone, without a single wooden beam or column. The hall features a square base and a dome roof, utilizing a vaulted structure similar to a yurt or the vault of heaven. This unique design has granted the building incredible structural integrity; it has survived multiple earthquakes over the past 400 years, including a magnitude 7.9 earthquake, remaining steadfast while other structures fell. The hall is not only a testament to ancient Chinese engineering wisdom but is also listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Its design is said to be inspired by a vision of Puxian Bodhisattva, combining Indian and Chinese architectural aesthetics to create a "Forest of Ten Thousand Years".

The Colossal Puxian Bronze Statue

3.Inside the Beamless Brick: Hall sits the temple's crowning treasure: a massive Bronze Statue of Puxian Bodhisattva Riding a White Elephant. Cast during the Ming Dynasty, this statue stands 7.85 meters tall and weighs an astonishing 62 tons. The Bodhisattva wears a golden crown and holds a Ruyi scepter, sitting upon a lotus throne on the back of a six-tusked white elephant. The elephant stands firmly on four legs, with its trunk coiled, symbolizing the immense power of Puxian's vows. The craftsmanship is exquisite, with fluid lines and a dignified expression that radiates compassion. It is said that when the statue was cast, the molten copper boiled like a fountain, creating a spectacle. Pilgrims often touch the elephant's legs or trunk (where permitted) as a way to pray for wisdom and safety. This statue is not only a religious icon but also a masterpiece of ancient metallurgy.

A Sanctuary of Nature and Zen Tea

Beyond its architectural and religious significance, Wannian Temple is renowned for its serene natural environment. The temple grounds are surrounded by ancient trees, including thousand-year-old ginkgoes and nanmu trees, which create a lush, green canopy in summer and a golden spectacle in autumn. The White Dragon Cave (Bailong Dong) nearby adds a touch of mythology, associated with the legend of the White Snake Spirit. The temple is also deeply connected to Emei Tea Culture. It was a gathering place for martial monks and tea masters in history. Today, visitors can enjoy the famous Emei vegetarian banquet in the temple's dining hall, featuring local specialties like "Snow Konjac" (Xue Moyu), and sip locally grown tea while listening to the morning bell and evening drum. Whether you are hiking up from the Qingyin Pavilion or taking the cable car, Wannian Temple offers a profound journey into the "Kingdom of Puxian" where history, faith, and nature converge,.