Zhenji Temple Caves

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Chifeng

Originally known as Houzho Cave Temple, the Zhenji Temple Caves are located in Chaganhada, 20 km south of Lindong in Chifeng. They were first excavated during the Liao dynasty (907–1125). An engraving of “Zhenji Temple” was found on the horizontal beam above the doorway in 1974 during reconstruction work. These characters both verify the name change and date it to the Liao dynasty. The caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The caves face the east and are divided into South, Central, and North Caves. The larger Central Cave is the main cave and contains a statue of a reclining Buddha. The 4 m long Buddha lies peacefully on a platform with the right arm supporting the head. One Bodhisattva stands by the Buddha’s head another by the feet. Fifteen disciples and Vajrapanibalin warriors grieve to the side.
A warrior statue stands on each side of the South Cave’s doorway. A seated Sakyamuni Buddha occupies the center, while to the right stands a statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva can be seen on left side. Both Bodhisattvas wear crowns.
The North Cave is carved into the cliff face and sits about 2 m higher than the Central Cave. This cave can be divided into a front chamber and a rear chamber. The front chamber is similar to the South Cave in terms of its statues and their arrangement. The rear chamber has statues of a seated Buddha, disciples, Bodhisattvas, and Heavenly Kings.
Even though the exterior of the Zhenji Temple Caves has suffered through years of weathering, it is one of the better preserved from the Liao dynasty. The caves provide an important reference for studying the art of Buddhist statues produced by the Khitans.