Roushen Hall (Yueshen Hall)
肉身宝殿
Roushen Hall, also called Yueshen Hall, enshrines the mummified body of Jin Dizang and is Jiuhua Mountain’s most sacred pilgrimage site. Reach it by climbing 81 steep steps to Shenguang Ridge.
Roushen Hall, also known as Yueshen Hall or Laoyeding, stands on Shenguang Ridge, southwest of Jiuhua Street. It is the spiritual center of Jiuhua Mountain. According to legend, the Silla monk Jin Qiaojue (Kim Gyo-gak, also known as Ksitigarbha Bhikshu) practiced asceticism on Jiuhua Mountain for decades. After he died at the age of 99, his body was opened three years later and his complexion was found to be lifelike. The monks built a stupa to enshrine the body and revered him as a manifestation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This hall was built to protect the stupa.
The current buildings were rebuilt in the Tongzhi era of the Qing dynasty. Inside is a seven-tier octagonal wooden pagoda, surrounded by statues of the Ten Kings of Hell. It is a national key cultural heritage site.
From Jiuhua Street, a steep flight of 81 stone steps, symbolizing the return to unity, leads up to Shenguang Ridge. Pilgrims often bow after every three steps.
Allow about one hour to visit, and combine it with Huacheng Temple and Qiyuan Temple. Admission is included in the Jiuhua Mountain entry ticket. Photography is strictly prohibited inside, so please keep quiet. Mornings during holidays are crowded, so visit at dawn or dusk.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–18:00 (check the temple's posted hours)
Nearby sights
- Shangchantang Temple
- Zhantan Chan Monastery
- Tonghui Chanlin Nunnery
- Huacheng Temple
- Jiuhua Street
- Zhiyuan Temple
- Dongya Chan Temple
- Baisui Palace