Qixia Temple is in front of Shoufo Cave at the bottom of Sever Stars Rockin the east of Guilin City. It was first named Qixia Temple in the Tang dynasty (618－907)，and changed to Shoufo Temple after its rebuilding during the Wanli Era in the Ming dynasty(1368-1644). Then it was enlarged by Monk Huirong in the Nanming Era and resumed the name of Qixia Temple. Qixia Temple is magnificent and has a unique style. There was the Temple Gate, White Lotus Pond, Free Life Pond, Bamboo Pavilion and beautiful palaces.
Monk Huirong(161—1708) was from Hunan Province. He started to learn literature and military arts when he was a child. He became a monk because he was not satisfied with the decayed rule of the authorities. Huirong often gathered together with Qu Shisi and Zhang Tongchang, high ranking military officers, to discuss and talk about national affairs and fighting against the Qing troops. After Qu and Zhang were killed by the Qing Troops, Huirong built memorial halls to honor them. Qixia Temple was destroyed by the war, with only Temple Gate left. Now it has been partly repaired and people can go there and pray.
Seven Stars Park (Qixin Gongyuan)
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