Sui and Tang Dynasties Royal Temple - Cishan Temple in Linyou County

Visiting Linyou, Cishan Temple is a must-visit spot. Cishan Temple was a royal temple during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, located six kilometers east of Linyou County on the west bank of the Qishui River. The Cishan Temple Grottoes were built by emperors of the Sui and Tang Dynasties for Buddhist activities during their summer retreats in Linyou. The Cishan Temple Grottoes were first carved during the period of Emperor Wen of Sui, and continued during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian. The area is densely vegetated, with the mountains staggered in relative positions, and the Qishui River meanders to form three 'Ji' characters, naturally creating a Taiji diagram that is a beautiful and tranquil feng shui treasure. Cishan Temple currently has three major caves and forty-seven statues, arranged from north to south along the cliff face, with the cave niches staggered in height. The main Buddhas in the north and south caves are both over 4.5 meters tall, with statues that are plump, skillfully crafted, and considered masterpieces of Sui and Tang Buddhist grotto art. The 'Jingfu Sutra' inscribed in the southern cave during the Tang Dynasty is the earliest inscribed secular Buddhist scripture in the country, with the most preserved characters and the most complete content, and is considered the best in China. As the fifth batch of 'National Protection' units, the county has set up the 'Linyou County Cishan Temple Cultural Relics Management Office' to be responsible for the management and protection of the temple. There is no full-time guide here, but Mr. Li, the cultural relics manager, is passionate about cultural preservation and has deep expertise. If he is free and tourists come forward to invite discussion, he will give an impromptu talk, and those tourists who encounter this are indeed fortunate ⛰【Attraction Strategy】 📍Detailed address: Yujia River Group, Chengguan Village, Jiucheng Palace Town, Linyou County 🚗Traffic strategy: Take a taxi or drive by yourself, from the county town through Duyang Road—Provincial Highway 306—Cishan Temple, there is a scenic spot sign at the provincial highway intersection; take a bus from Beiting Scenic Area Visitor Service Center—Cishan Temple, there is a bus stop map in the text. 🕙Opening hours: 8:30 am—5:30 pm 💰Ticket price: Adult ticket price is 18 yuan 🌟Highlights: Sui and Tang Dynasties royal Buddhist temple, learn about the religious culture and art of the Sui and Tang periods, and a place for summer retreat and leisure. 📌Small Tips: No fire, protect against mosquito bites, and follow the scenic area's tour guide. Cishan Temple Grottoes