Balong Temple in Wafangdian

Balong Temple in Wafangdian

Balong Chan Temple in Wafangdian City, Dalian, is located at No. 15 Beimiao Street, Laopibu Village, Gangdian Subdistrict, at the foot of Mount Tai. Legend has it that during the Yuan Dynasty, when Genghis Khan unified China, his imperial strategist heard that southwest of Fuxian County in southern Liaoning, near Zhangjiashan Zui, there was a clear, mirror-like pool called Weitan, with a dragon dwelling beneath its waters — an auspicious and divine place. Fearing the dragon might flee, altering the local feng shui, he initiated the construction of a temple to encircle and protect it, ensuring the enduring stability of the nation, flourishing fortunes, disaster avoidance, and the transformation of misfortune into fortune. Thus, the temple was named Balong Chan Temple. It is a renowned ancient Buddhist temple in southern Liaoning and a historic sacred site of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Guanyin Bodhisattva is known for her great compassion, boundless responsiveness, and ability to grant all requests. The temple enshrines a sacred statue of the “Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva,” making it an ideal place for worship, praying for peace and good fortune, as well as prosperity and wealth. Since Venerable Benzhan became the abbot of Balong Chan Temple in 2006, inspired by his virtuous conduct, efforts from all sectors of society, benefactors, and devotees have led to the successive completion of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, Chanting Hall, and Rebirth Hall. In 2010, the foundations of five major halls — the Chanting Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Yuantong Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Scripture Depository — were laid simultaneously, and they are currently under planning, design, and construction.

The construction plan of Balong Chan Temple is the crystallization of wisdom from ancient architecture experts and monastics, refined and reviewed through multiple revisions and discussions. The entire planning scheme follows the concept of “imperial-style architecture,” highlighting the exquisite, delicate, and magnificent styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It also emphasizes modern features such as intelligence and multifunctionality, fully embodying the Buddhist ideal of “glorifying the nation and bringing joy to all beings.” I believe that by adhering to this construction philosophy, a brand-new and solemn Buddhist sacred site will surely emerge in the near future.

Scenic Area Address: At the foot of Mount Tai, No. 15 Beimiao Street, Laopibu Village, Wafangdian City, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transportation: In Dalian, you can take bus routes 11, 6, 13, 16, 5, 3, 19, 1, or 2 to get there.