Wanghai Temple in Xingcheng

Wanghai Temple in Xingcheng

Wanghai Temple in Xingcheng is a cultural tourism attraction.

In Zhamuling, Laofuma Village, Hongyazi Township, Xingcheng City, there stands a Ming Dynasty structure — Wanghai Temple.

According to local chronicles, the temple was renovated in the 23rd year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty. By the time of liberation, it only had three main halls, four wing rooms, three side rooms, one ancient stele, and one iron incense burner (which was dismantled and sold as scrap iron in 1966). The temple enshrined a statue of the Medicine Buddha. After liberation, the temple was converted into a school and later into a fruit tree farm.

In 1992, with approval from the Xingcheng Municipal Ethnic Affairs Commission, the temple was rebuilt. The current Wanghai Temple complex spans 80 meters from east to west and 120 meters from north to south. It includes a mountain gate, Dragon Earth Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Jade Spring Hall, Buddha Hall, Chanting Hall, dining hall, three incense burners, and one precious cauldron. There are four resident monks.

The temple is nestled among forests, backed by green mountains and facing a reservoir, making it a place situated between landscapes and pine trees. In spring and summer, when wildflowers are in full bloom and the pines and cypresses are lush and green, visiting feels like entering a fairyland. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, many devotees come to the temple to burn incense and worship the Buddha.