Trip 18: The Central Area(August 4-15, 2012)

This is a record of my eighteenth trip to visit the 142 Key Temples of China. Links lead to articles on the temple (or other site) named.

No. 115: Shangfeng Temple, Nanyue, Hunan

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 1, 2014.)

This relief in a side hall features some of the 18 Arhats (罗汉)
at Shangfeng Temple (上封寺), Nanyue, Hunan (湖南, 南岳)

August 14, 2012 - My next destination was the charming town of Nanyue in Hunan, at the foot of Mount Heng. This is one of the "Five Great Mountains of China," along with another Mount Heng (different Chinese character) in Shanxi in the north; Mount Tai (east); Mount Hua (west); and Mount Song (center). Because of its position in the south, Mount Heng is called Nanyue ("South peak"), as is the town. (Last week's temple on Yue Lu Mountain lies at the north end of the same range.)

No. 116: Nantai Temple, Nanyue, Hunan

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 8, 2014.)

Three different jade Buddhas (玉佛) grace the main altar
at Nantai Temple (南台寺), Nanyue, Hunan (湖南, 南岳).

August 14, 2012 - After my disappointing visit to Shangfeng Temple on Hengshan Mountain, I needed a win.

No. 117: Fuyan Temple, Nanyue, Hunan

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 15, 2014.)

This manly Arhat (罗汉) is typical of the very unusual set
at Fuyan Temple (福严寺), Nanyue, Hunan (湖南, 南岳).

August 14, 2012 - Today we'll look at the third and last of the temples I visited on sacred Hengshan Mountain, the southernmost of China's "Five Great Mountains"--but not the last in Nanyue Town.

No. 118: Zhusheng Temple, Nanyue, Hunan

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 22, 2014.)

Rather than as statuary, the 500 arhats (五百罗汉) at Zhusheng Temple (祝圣寺), Nanyue,
Hunan (湖南, 南岳), are displayed on 250 plaques, two to a plaque. Not unique, but unusual.

August 15, 2012 - The next temple I visited was the 15th and last key temple on this nearly-two week trip.