The Cultural Revolution was so thorough here that only the Jin dynasty (1115-1234) pagoda was left standing. The extensive complex has been reconstructed over the last few years entirely with donations from the faithful, and includes one of the largest "10,000 Buddha" halls in the world.
The temple saw the foundation of a sect of Zen (Chan) Buddhism, and its beginnings date from 220 during the Eastern Han dynasty. Xuanzang is said to have studied here before his trip to India in search of authoritative texts. The temple is entered through a small grove of cypresses (for which it is named), and has a calm bustle of activity from shaven-headed monks in orange and brown robes. One or two English-speakers tend to seek out foreign visitors and are happy to answer queries, show you around, and explain Zen principles and theShenghuo(life) variant introduced by Venerable Master Jinghui, the driving force behind the temple's change from weeds and rubble into an impressive complex. Then-President Jiang Zemin visited in 2001. Perhaps the rumors are true and he is a closet Buddhist.
| Hours | Open 8am-4pm |  | |
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| Transportation | In Shijiazhuang, take bus no. 3 to Huaxia Zhan, the bus station for Zhao Xian, to the south of the center on An Nan Dajie, and catch a bus to Zhao Xian (30-45 min.; ¥6/75¢). Jump off at a traffic island with a mini-pagoda in the middle. The road to the left, Shi Ta Lu, takes you to Bailin Si in 10 min. on foot. Alternatively, if you head straight on down Shi Qiao Dajie (Stone Bridge St.), you'll pass the earthen core and one or two watchtowers of the city wall, and get to a major junction straight over which is Zhaozhou Qiao, about a 30-min. walk. Or takea sanlunche(¥3/40¢) or minivan (¥5/60¢) | |
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| Prices | Free admission | |