Hongchunping Temple

Hongchunping Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Mount Emei, in Emeishan City, Sichuan, China.

Name
The name of Hongchunping is derived from three 1,200-years-old Ailanthus altissima trees.

History


The temple was first built by master Chushan Xingyi in the early Ming dynasty (1368–1644) with the name of "Thousand Buddha Chan Temple", commonly known as "Thousand Buddha Temple". It was largely extended in 1631, in the reign of Chongzhen Emperor (1628–1644) of the late Ming dynasty.

In 1778, in the 43rd year of Qianlong period (1736–1795) in the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), a catastrophic fire demolished most of its buildings. Twelve years later, the temple was restored and redecorated by master Eyun. The name was changed into "Hongchunping Temple" (Hongchun means Ailanthus altissima) because it had three 1,200-years-old Ailanthus altissima trees.

In 1936, Chiang Kai-shek visited the temple while he inspected the Officer Training Corps on Mount Emei.

The temple has been designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China in 1983.

Architecture
Hongchunping Temple covers a building area of 5000 m2, the existing main buildings include the Shanmen, Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, Hall of Guanyin, Mahavira Hall, Meditation Hall, and monk's rooms.

Mahavira Hall
The Mahavira Hall enshrining a statue of Samantabhadra. The statues of Eighteen Arhats sitting on the seats before both sides of the gable walls.