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28
2018
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02
The Origins of the Northern Shaolin Temple on Panshan Mountain
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Historically, the notion of “Southern Shaolin” and “Northern Shaolin” has persisted. In many people’s minds, “Southern Shaolin” refers to the Shaolin Temple in Fujian, while “Northern Shaolin” denotes the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song. However, not long ago, Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, clarified that no record anywhere in the temple’s extensive archives ever mentions a “Southern Shaolin Temple”; by contrast, the “Northern Shaolin Temple” does appear. Yet that “Northern Shaolin Temple” is not the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song—it refers instead to the Northern Shaolin Temple located in Jixian County, Tianjin.
According to historical records, in the early years of the Yuan dynasty, the Mongol armies marched south, wreaking havoc and inflicting great suffering on the populace. In response, Xueting Fuyu, then the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, tirelessly traveled day and night, urging the Mongols to act with compassion. Under his leadership, five “Shaolin” monasteries were established in Helin, Jizhou (present-day Jixian County, Tianjin), Taiyuan, Chang’an, and Luoyang; with the exception of the one in Jizhou, none bore the name “Shaolin.” The Northern Shaolin Temple in Jixian County was thus the only monastery to bear that appellation. Later, the disciples of Xueting Fuyu petitioned for official approval to establish twenty-three subsidiary temples dedicated to safeguarding the main Shaolin Monastery, all located in the Central Plains region, each with its own distinct name—none of them ever carried the title “Shaolin.” This authentic historical account is clearly inscribed on a large iron bell cast in 1336.
Master Shi Yongxin explained, “The ‘Northern Shaolin Temple’ is a branch of the Songshan Shaolin Temple. Located to the north of the Songshan Shaolin Temple, it came to be known as the ‘Northern Shaolin,’ and to this day, we continue to recognize it officially. In addition, we also officially recognize the ‘Kongxiang Temple,’ situated on Xiong’er Mountain in Sanmenxia, which serves as a subordinate monastery of our Songshan Shaolin Temple,” Master Shi Yongxin said.
Gao Wenshan, an associate professor and master’s supervisor in the Department of Ethnic Traditional Sports at Tianjin University of Sport, notes that the Northern Shaolin Temple has existed since ancient times, situated on the southeastern slopes of Panshan Mountain within Jixian County, Tianjin. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties—particularly under the Yuan—its prestige grew significantly when the eminent monk Xueting Fuyu, who established the temple’s standing, was bestowed the title of National Preceptor by the Yuan emperor. Moreover, with the capitals of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties all located in Beijing, and the Northern Shaolin Temple lying in close proximity to the capital, it enjoyed a highly advantageous geographical and political position. In the Qing era, imperial processions en route to the Eastern Tombs invariably passed through Panshan, prompting the construction of a temporary palace—the Jingji Villa—at the foot of the Northern Shaolin Temple. The emperor even personally issued edicts to oversee the development of Panshan and the restoration of the monastery, ultimately leading to the remarkable record of Emperor Kangxi visiting twice and Emperor Qianlong staying there on thirty-one occasions. At the time, a popular saying went: “The Southern Shaolin Temple is on Mount Song, while the Northern Shaolin Temple is in Jizhou.” Yet despite its long and illustrious history, this venerable monastery was razed to the ground by Japanese invaders during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, leaving behind only scattered remnants today.
Shi Yongxin is constantly contemplating the reconstruction of the “Northern Shaolin Temple.” He notes that the Northern Shaolin Temple at Panshan in Jixian County is the most clearly documented branch temple of the Shaolin Monastery outside its ancestral home, and that throughout history, it wielded considerable political influence. Today, the Shaolin Monastery itself serves as a prominent symbol of China’s international engagement, enjoying high global recognition. If the ancestral home of Shaolin were to undertake the restoration and reconstruction of the Northern Shaolin Temple, it would not only amplify the latter’s influence but also further promote Shaolin culture, providing spiritual nourishment to a wider audience.
Shi Yongxin revealed that he plans to complete the restoration and reconstruction of the “Northern Shaolin Temple” within eight to ten years, with the aim of turning it into a world‑renowned temple. In addition, he intends to restore the Jingji Villa near the Northern Shaolin Temple to its original Qing‑dynasty architectural form, transforming it into a large-scale complex of ancient buildings capable of hosting world leaders and dignitaries. According to the Shaolin Temple, the Tianjin authorities also attach great importance to the restoration and reconstruction of the Northern Shaolin Temple. Officials from the Tianjin Municipal Government, along with key leaders from the Jixian County Party Committee and County Government, have visited the Songshan Shaolin Temple on multiple occasions to discuss specific details. Furthermore, under the supervision of relevant officials in the Tianjin Municipal Government, Jixian County has established a task force comprising representatives from planning, tourism, culture, and other departments to oversee this project. Under the plan, the restoration and reconstruction of the Northern Shaolin Temple will require an investment of 160 million yuan, with efforts focused on rehabilitating the historic site and its surrounding area, encompassing a total scenic zone of three square kilometers.
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