Baolun Temple

Baolun Temple of Ciqikou Ancient Town – Brief Introduction

As a main port in the lower reaches are of the Jialing River. Ciqikou Ancient Town once was a prosperous place in commerce, culture and religions. In this way, there were originally many temples including nine Buddhism and 18 Taoism ones.

Baolun Temple of Ciqikou Ancient Town – History

Baolun Temple, with a long history, is one of the famous temples of Chongqing Municipality.

According to the legend, Baolun Temple was developed into a temple from a tower in early Tang Dynasty due to the worship of local people. However, in the history of Ba Country, the temple was built during the period of Song Dynasty (AD 998-AD103), and got the name of Baiya Temple because of the huge white cliff by the side. The worship of this temple promoted local economy with the convenient transport, and then the Baiya Market was gradually formed.

There is another legend saying that the Emperor Jianwen of Ming Dynasty was forced to abdicate by Zhudi, the later Emperor Cheng, and fled to Ciqikou Ancient Town. Since Baiya Temple was where he had once lived, it was also called Longyin Temple, which meant in Chinese the place where an emperor lived.

According to historical records, there was an inscribed inscription with the characters Longyin Temple at the gate. Later the name of Baolun Temple was confirmed because of the imperial jade and the transmigration in Buddhism, while some other people said it was confirmed in Tang Dynasty. The main hall of Sakyamuni Buddha of Baolun Temple has been well preserved. In 1957, the worker found a real Ming inscription, which was unfortunately destroyed without being realized of its value.

Baolun Temple of Ciqikou Ancient Town – Attraction

Baolun Temple covers about 400 square kilometers. The main mall is firmly supported by two thick wood pillars even without one nail, which has never sloped after centuries. In addition, it has been designed particularly for lighting and keeping out the wind. The incense could let out itself but wind never permeates.

During the period of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty, Baolun Temple had been wholly reconstructed. It is said that there were over 300 monks and several hundred living rooms in the separate halls. However, the main hall and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha have been well preserved.

There are many literary works such as Fa Baiya By Wang Tingxiang, a successful examinee of an examination of the Ming Dynasty; Poems about Baolun Temple by Zhou Kaifeng, a lecturer of Dongchuan Academy in Qing Dynasty; Flood Passing Baiya by Zhang Duihe, the local official of Ba Country in regin of Qianlong of Qing Dynasty; Baiya Stone Martin by Huang Shanxi, a successful examinee of an examination of reign of Daoguang of Qing Dynasty.