Niushou Mountain Temples in Qingtongxia City, Wuzhong

Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) are located on the eastern bank of the Yellow River (黄河) in Qingtongxia City (青铜峡市), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区), about 20 kilometers from the city center. The highest peak, Xiaoxitian (小西天), stands at 1,781 meters above sea level. The mountain gets its name from the resemblance of its two peaks, Wenhuafeng (文华峰) and Wuyingfeng (武英峰), to an ox's head. This distinctive shape gives the mountain its name, Niushou Mountain (牛首山).

Historically, the mountain was called Qingshan (青山) during the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏), Dashishan (大石山) and Huiyuefeng (回乐峰) in the Tang Dynasty (唐代), Jinji Mountain (金积山) and Daidai Mountain (黛黛山) during the Song Dynasty (宋代), and Niushou Mountain (牛首山) and Zijin Mountain (紫金山) after the Yuan Dynasty (元代).

The Niushou Mountain Temples complex consists of Eastern (东寺) and Western (西寺) temple groups. The complex is home to 44 temples, making it the largest Buddhist temple group in the northwest region of China and the largest historical temple complex in Ningxia (宁夏). The temples were first built before the Tang Dynasty (唐代), and throughout the centuries, the site has undergone repairs and restoration. The temples were damaged during the Tongzhi Period (同治年间) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) due to conflicts. In 1980, local devotees began fundraising efforts to restore the Eastern Temple (东寺), which is now an important tourist attraction in Ningxia (宁夏).

Each year, the Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) host a traditional temple fair on March 15th of the lunar calendar, which attracts thousands of visitors.

Key Information

• Location: Qingtongxia City (青铜峡市), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区)

• Distance from City Center: 20 kilometers

• Main Peak Elevation: 1,781 meters

• Temple Groups: Eastern Temple Group (东寺) and Western Temple Group (西寺)

• Number of Temples: 44

• Annual Temple Fair: March 15th of the lunar calendar

• Notable Temples: Golden Pagoda Temple (金宝塔寺), Manjushri Hall (万佛阁), Pure Land Temple (净土寺), Guanyin Hall (观音堂)

Geography and Layout

Niushou Mountain (牛首山) is located 20 kilometers south of Qingtongxia City (青铜峡市) along the eastern bank of the Yellow River (黄河). The mountain stretches about 9 kilometers in width and 29 kilometers in length, with an elevation of 1,774 meters at its highest point. The Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) are spread across the mountain peaks and valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Eastern Temple Group

The Eastern Temple Group (东寺庙群) is centered around the Golden Pagoda Temple (金宝塔寺) and is located on the eastern side of the mountain. It includes 19 temples, such as Bao'an Temple (保安寺), Shui Fo Cave (睡佛洞), and Shengshencai (舍身崖). These temples are located along the cliffs and tranquil valleys of the mountain, providing a peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

Western Temple Group

The Western Temple Group (西寺庙群) is situated on the western side of the mountain, facing the Yellow River (黄河). It consists of 26 temples, including Manjushri Hall (万佛阁), Pure Land Temple (净土寺), and Guanyin Hall (观音堂). The temples are built according to the natural contours of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the river and the surrounding valleys.

History of Niushou Mountain Temples

The construction of the Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) dates back to before the Tang Dynasty (唐代). The temples were designed to blend harmoniously with the mountain’s natural landscape. The construction techniques used include stone walls and timber, creating a distinctive architectural style that integrates with nature.

The temples have been repaired and renovated multiple times throughout history, especially during the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties (唐宋明清). However, during the Tongzhi Period (同治年间) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), the temples were severely damaged due to war. In 1980, local followers raised funds to restore the Eastern Temple (东寺), which has since been restored to its former glory.

Today, the Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) are a significant cultural and spiritual landmark in Ningxia (宁夏), attracting many pilgrims and tourists each year, especially during the March 15th Temple Fair (农历三月十五庙会).

Traditional Temple Fairs

The Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) hold two major traditional temple fairs annually: one on March 15th and another on July 15th of the lunar calendar. The March 15th Temple Fair (农历三月十五庙会) is the largest and most popular, drawing thousands of visitors to worship, burn incense, and explore the temple grounds. The fair is a lively and colorful event, with pilgrims and tourists coming from near and far to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temples.

During the temple fair, the mountain paths are filled with people, and the temples are decorated with incense and prayer offerings, creating a vibrant and spiritual environment.

The Niushou Mountain Temples (牛首山寺庙群) are one of the largest and most historically significant Buddhist temple complexes in Ningxia (宁夏). With its two main temple groups, the Eastern Temple Group (东寺庙群) and the Western Temple Group (西寺庙群), the complex offers a unique opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. The temples continue to attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, offering a serene retreat and a deep dive into the history and culture of Ningxia (宁夏).