Lion's Head Mountain Chuanhua Temple Introduction
The Kuanhua Hall was built in 1897 and is located in the foothills of Lion's Head Mountain. Among the temples on Lion's Head Mountain, Kuanhua Hall is the largest and most magnificent. The hall utilizes a natural cave to construct, with part of the temple embedded in the cave. The exterior of Kuanhua Hall is splendid, while its interior features stone carvings, wooden sculptures, and colorful decorations that are simple yet beautiful, preserving a rich diversity of traditional artworks. A pair of dragon columns at the eaves are handcrafted, with the right dragon holding a pearl in its mouth, while the left dragon does not. It is said that different craftsmen sculpted them, resulting in one column and one dragon, with shapes that are round and ancient, and lines that are smooth and graceful. The octagonal stone windows with透雕 (carved transparency) on the front eaves walls of the main hall depict a qilin, featuring simple lines and a sturdy shape that embodies a rustic beauty; the octagonal cast iron windows of the side rooms have an elegant design; the ground-level coiling dragon on the stone pathway is lifelike, all rare masterpieces worthy of close inspection. The Ziyang Gate at the entrance of Lion's Head Mountain is the most important heritage site within the mountain and is the necessary route for visitors coming from the front mountain. It is an independent gate tower in a穿堂 (through hall) style, with a double-eaved hipped roof, imposing and grand in layout, guarded by two massive stone lions. The entire Ziyang Gate employs a mixed structure of bricks, tiles, earth, and stone, with the wooden structure mainly used for the dougong (bracket sets). The brick and stone archway is divided into several segments, each referred to as "a blocking wall." From the bottom up, they are named "Cabinet Foot," "Skirt Block," "Waist Block," "Body Block," "Top Block," and "Waterwheel Block." The "Cabinet Foot" is at the lowest level, sculpted into a low cabinet shape, with artisans skillfully arranging floral patterns; the "Skirt Block" features line-carved flower and bird beast combinations; the "Waist Block" has relief floral patterns; the most exquisite craftsmanship belongs to the two "Body Blocks" on the left and right, with simple forms and smooth lines. From Kuanhua Hall, one can gaze at the distant, overlapping mountain ranges and verdant peaks, creating a magnificent view. Accommodations for visitors are available at this location.
