Gangyaling Mingxing Temple

Gangyaling Mingxing Temple

Gangyaling Mingxing Temple is a cultural relics protection unit of Liaoning Province.

Mingxing Temple, located on Benjie Street in Gangyaling Town, Nanpiao District, Huludao City, Liaoning Province, is a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit, a provincial-level religious activity site, and a national AAA-level scenic spot. Originally built in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1901), it underwent a comprehensive renovation in the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923). It now stands as a rare complex of temple architecture from the Republican era in China. The current abbot is Shi Yangren.

According to the "Chaoyang County Annals" (Gangyaling was originally under the jurisdiction of Chaoyang and was incorporated into Jinxi in July 1961): "Mingxing Temple was built in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (1901 AD) in Gangyaling Town, 160 li south of the county (referring to Chaoyang). It was constructed through donations raised by philanthropists from the local preaching hall. The temple site is quite spacious, with a total of six levels of halls in the front and back. From its inception, the temple was primarily Buddhist, while also incorporating Taoism, Confucianism, and folk beliefs. The original structures included the Mahavira Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Zhenwu Emperor Pavilion, Dragon King Hall, and Confucius Hall." Additionally, according to the "Inscription on the Renovation of Mingxing Temple," the temple was renovated in April of the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923) under the supervision of the president of the Beitang Charity Association. It now stands as a rare complex of temple architecture from the Republican era in China.

After the liberation, the ancient temple was repurposed as a school. It suffered damage during the Cultural Revolution. In August 1988, the school moved out, leaving some halls on the verge of collapse. On February 4, 2008, the flagpole on the left side of the temple was hit and broken by a motor vehicle, shattering into 11 pieces. When the flagpole fell, silver dollars and scriptures were found inside the top flag finial. In 2008, during a provincial cultural relics survey, the ancient temple gained attention. The provincial cultural relics bureau funded the restoration of the cultural relics, and renovation of the temple began in April 2009, completing in November 2013.

In early 2014, Master Yangren was invited by the Nanpiao District Culture and Broadcasting Bureau and Gangyaling Town to take up residence at Mingxing Temple. He began work on the cultural relics protection, continuation of Buddhist culture, and exploration of cultural tourism resources for this century-old "Republican-era ancient temple." Over the years, with the support of party committees, governments, and devotees, Master Yangren has invested heavily in rebuilding the temple’s Mahavira Hall, Manjusri Hall, Samantabhadra Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, God of Wealth Hall, Patriarch Hall, Western Trinity Hall, Rebirth Hall, Chanting Hall, Meditation Hall, Scripture Depository, Mountain Gate, Bell and Drum Towers, Dining Hall, and Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda.

Protected area: A zone with the center at the cement archway of Mingxing Temple, extending 30 meters east, 25 meters south, 15 meters west, and 59 meters north.

Construction control zone: Beyond the protected area, a Class I control zone extends 20 meters east, south, and north, and 15 meters west; a Class II control zone extends 20 meters beyond the Class I zone.

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Liaoning Province