Huangze Temple, Buddhist temple in Guangyuan, China

Huangze Temple is a Buddhist monastery carved into cliffs along the Jialing River in Guangyuan, featuring six caves and 41 niches that house 1203 stone sculptures spanning multiple dynasties. The caves ascend vertically from the river level to the summit, where the main building with its largest Buddha statue commands the entire site.

The cliff sculptures at Huangze Temple were begun in the Northern Zhou dynasty and flourished in the Tang. Yang Xiu, fourth son of Emperor Wen of Sui, had a niche carved here and, according to local tradition, placed his own image behind that of the Buddha. The site was listed as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in 1961.

Huangze Temple is the only temple dedicated to Wu Zetian, who was born in Lizhou, present-day Guangyuan. The cliff carvings were begun in the Northern Zhou and flourished in the Tang; the Sui prince Yang Xiu, fourth son of Emperor Wen, opened niches here and, by legend, had his own image placed behind a Buddha figure.

The temple is accessible from Guangyuan by crossing the Jialing River and hiking upward along the carved cliff face. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to climb through the caves and explore the sculptures at your own pace.

The Sui prince Yang Xiu, fourth son of Emperor Wen, had a niche carved here and, according to local tradition, placed his own portrait behind the Buddha image. The site is also the only temple in China dedicated to Wu Zetian, who was born in Guangyuan.