Xilin Temple

Xilin Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary on Mount Lu with several key structures including the Four Heavenly Kings Hall and a seven-story pagoda that rises more than 40 meters tall. The buildings form a connected complex set on mountainous terrain, with the pagoda serving as the main focal point.

The temple was completely destroyed in 1854 during the Taiping Rebellion and remained abandoned for over a century. Reconstruction efforts began in 1989 to restore the site to active use.

The temple holds a special place in Chinese literature through the poet Su Shi, whose verses about this site became standard material in schools across the country. When walking through the grounds, visitors can sense how the landscape and structures shaped these classic works.

The temple is situated on a mountain and requires hiking to reach and explore the full site. Visitors should prepare for physical activity and be ready for mountainous terrain.

Each level of the pagoda displays distinct architectural styles from the Tang dynasty, turning the structure into an architectural reference. This layered design allows visitors to observe different periods of craftsmanship in a single building.