Linji Temple 临济寺

About Linji Temple

Its most distinctive monument is Chengling Stupa, an octagonal brick tower with closely spaced eaves and carved decoration around its base. The surrounding worship halls largely reflect modern rebuilding, making the historic stupa the clearest architectural focus. The main hall's Buddhist figures and the temple's continuing religious use add context beyond a quick photograph of the tower.

In 854, during the Dazhong period of the Tang dynasty (618-907), Linji Yixuan came to the temple to promote Buddhism and founded the Linji school, later transmitted to Japan by the monks Eisai and Shuniyo in the Song dynasty (960-1276). After his death in 867, disciples built two stupas for his relics, one in Daming County and one at the temple, and Emperor Yizong named the latter 'Chengling Stupa' (澄灵塔). War between the Song and Jin empires from 1125 to 1234 destroyed the temple, leaving only the stupa standing, and in 1183 the Jin Emperor Shizong ordered it rebuilt in the Liao and Jin architectural style.

In 1521, the twelfth year of the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), monks repaired the temple, when its main buildings included the Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Zushi Dian, Chengling Stupa and a monks' dormitory; it was again devastated by war in the late Ming and early Qing. In 1734 the Yongzheng Emperor granted Linji Yixuan the title 'Chan Master Zhenchang Huizhao', and the temple was added to the list of National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Areas in 1983.

What to look for

• Chengling Stupa's octagonal form, dense eaves and carved base.
• The rebuilt Mahavira Hall and its arrangement of Buddhist statues.

Location & getting there

Getting to Linji Temple

Use 临济寺 on the east side of Shengmin Street in Zhengding's old town.

• The county's 2026 work plan includes repairs to Chengling Stupa. Follow the temple's current access arrangements and keep clear of worship or conservation areas.