The Sanctuary of Three Religions: Zhenfo Mountain and the Legend of the Filial Buddha

A Sacred Peak of Three Religions

1.Located in Fushan: Town, Dachuan District, Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, Zhenfo Mountain (True Buddha Mountain) stands as a unique spiritual sanctuary nestled within the misty Qilixia Mountain range. Rising to an altitude of 910 meters, this National 4A Tourist Attraction covers a core area of about 400 mu (approx. 27 hectares) and is renowned for its rare integration of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Unlike many traditional Buddhist mountains, Zhenfo Mountain is celebrated as a "Sanctuary of Three Religions" where diverse spiritual philosophies coexist harmoniously. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers from downtown Dazhou and offers a serene escape featuring magnificent ancient architecture, lush pine and cypress forests, and a profound cultural heritage centered on the virtues of "Loyalty and Filial Piety".

The Legend of the "Peasant Buddha"

2.The history of Zhenfo: Mountain is rooted in a fascinating legend from the Qing Dynasty. It originated in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785) with a local peasant named Jiang Chengshou (later renamed Jiang Dehua). Known for his extreme filial piety and benevolent deeds, he practiced medicine to heal the sick without accepting payment and was revered by the locals as "Jiang Shanren" (Jiang the Benevolent) or "Jiang Living Buddha." According to tradition, when a local prefect named Sun Yiting prayed here for a son and his wish was granted, he praised Jiang, saying, "He is indeed a True Buddha." This led to the expansion of the site and its official naming as Zhenfo Mountain in the 6th year of the Daoguang reign (1825). The mountain’s philosophy is distinct: it promotes the idea that "Loyalty and Filial Piety are the True Buddha," blending religious devotion with traditional Chinese moral values.

Dehua Temple: A Unique Hierarchy

The architectural highlight of the mountain is the Dehua Temple, a grand complex built along the mountain contours covering 15,000 square meters. The layout is a rare physical manifestation of the "Three Religions in One" concept. The Front Hall (Yuhuang Hall) reflects Taoist influences, enshrining the Jade Emperor. The Middle Hall (Tianzi Hall or Ten Kings Hall) represents the Buddhist underworld but also features a folk custom where visitors touch a giant "Fu" (Fortune) character blindfolded for good luck. The most striking feature is found in the Rear Hall (Mahavira Hall). Here, contrary to traditional Buddhist hierarchy, the statue of Jiang Shanren sits in the center, while Sakyamuni Buddha is positioned to the side. This unique arrangement, known as "The Host Sits Center, the Guest Sits Side," is virtually unique in China and underscores the localized "Qingyun School" of Buddhism founded here.

3.The Twin: Stone Pagodas and Natural Wonders

4.Across from Dehua Temple stands the Yufu: Temple (Jade Buddha Temple), famous for its spectacular Twin Stone Pagodas. These green stone towers rise about 30 meters high with 21 layers (some sources say 18), piercing through the temple roof in a magnificent display of architectural prowess. This "Two Monks" temple style is extremely rare in Eastern Sichuan. Visitors can climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and clouds. Beyond the temples, the mountain offers scenic beauty. Visitors must climb the "Thousand-Step Staircase" (Qianbuti), a steep stone path lined with fragrant camphor trees, symbolizing the journey of "rising step by step." The area also features natural attractions like Yanzhi Lake, the mysterious Hailuo Cave (Conch Cave), and the "Sea of Clouds" at Yunhua Mountain. The combination of ancient wooden and stone architecture, intricate carvings depicting operas and legends, and the tranquil natural environment makes Zhenfo Mountain a place of both visual splendor and spiritual reflection.