Nanshan Temple (南山寺), located about 2 kilometers north of Taihuai, is a majestic structure built into the mountains at an elevation exceeding 1,700 meters. Covering an area of 6 hectares, it consists of over 300 halls and rooms, making it one of the largest temples in Wutai Mountain. Its location on a steep mountainside enhances its grandeur.
The entire architectural complex is divided into three major parts across seven levels. The lower three levels are called 极乐寺 (Temple of Ultimate Bliss), the upper three levels are known as 佑国寺 (Temple of National Protection), and the middle level is referred to as 善德堂 (Hall of Virtue). Founded during the Yuan Dynasty as “大万圣佑国寺 Dawan Sheng Youguo Temple,” the temple was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty and renamed Jile Temple. In the late Qing Dynasty, the abbot Puji raised significant funds to unify the original three sections into one, resulting in the current Nanshan Temple, which took 23 years to complete.
One of the most captivating features of Nanshan Temple is its impressive scale, stone carvings, and mud sculptures. Visitors are awed by the temple’s grandeur before even entering the gate. Among the temple’s notable features is the largest shadow wall in Wutai Mountain, measuring 17.3 meters wide and about 8 meters high. It has a stone base, a finely polished brick wall, and is adorned with white marble carvings, including inscriptions and couplets, with brick carvings along the top eaves.
Upon passing the shadow wall, visitors are greeted by 108 grand stone steps leading to the Pai Lou (archway). While there are several sets of 108 steps throughout Wutai Mountain, Nanshan Temple’s steps are renowned for their grandeur and width. The steps are divided into three segments, each with 36 steps, culminating at the archway.
A unique aspect of Nanshan Temple is its worship of six deities, as opposed to the traditional four Heavenly Kings honored in most other Chinese temples. In addition to the four Heavenly Kings, Nanshan Temple features the famous “Hengha Two Generals,” which is rare in Chinese Buddhist temples.
Inside the main hall, exquisite statues and carvings are on display. The hall primarily enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by his two disciples, Ananda and Kasyapa. In the center of the altar stands a stone statue of Manjushri riding a lion, with a wooden sculpture of Samantabhadra on the right and a stone statue of Guanyin on the left. The walls of the hall are adorned with the Eighteen Arhats. The craftsmanship of these statues is quite renowned within Wutai Mountain.
Notably, the Guanyin statue depicts a chubby, innocent-looking child, radiating liveliness and charm. Guanyin cradles the child in her left arm while gently holding the child’s hand with her right, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity. Additionally, the statue of Samantabhadra, stepping on a lotus and accompanied by two lively elephants, is also exceptionally crafted.
