Historical records of Xuanquan Temple

The year when the temple was first built is unknown. According to the inscription, this place was originally "the place of firewood for the Prince of Jin's Mansion." Later, because of the beautiful mountain scenery and pleasant climate, King Zhu Feng of Jin and his descendants took a fancy to this place. It was a geomantic treasure land, so the mountains in this area were designated as forbidden areas. Non-officials were not allowed to cut down, hunt or enjoy sightseeing here. Local people call this area "Guanshan". According to the inscription on the iron bell of the temple: In the eighth year of the Zhengtong reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty (1443), this place became the "Incense Courtyard of the Lord of the Jin Dynasty." That is, the family temple of the Jin Dynasty. In the third year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty (1467), the Jin Palace added more than 20 buildings such as Xiuxian Hall, Zangjing Hall, and Dizang Hall. There is a cliff carving on the cliff more than 20 meters west of the temple. It is one meter high and one meter wide. It is square in shape. It is engraved with the remains of Buddhist characters such as fish, sword, and reincarnation. It is also engraved with "March 18, the third year of Xianpyeong". There are also more than a dozen inscriptions such as "日 (the third year of Xianping of Zhao Heng of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, that is, 1000 AD)" and "March 26th of the third year of Mingchang (the third year of Emperor Zhangzong of Jin Dynasty, that is, 1192 AD)". Such as "Xuanquan Scenic Spot" and "Scenic Scenery are Majestic". It is not difficult to see from these remaining inscriptions that during the Song and Jin Dynasties, people came to Xuanquan Temple to enjoy the scenery, and the cliff stone carvings were most likely engraved in the early Tang Dynasty.