Fuyu Dragon King Temple

Fuyu Dragon King Temple

The Fuyu Dragon King Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Dragon King Temple is located outside the southern gate of Fuyu County. According to *Records of Jilin*, it was built in the 49th year of the Qianlong reign. This temple is usually closed, and no festivals are held there. However, in years of severe drought when rain does not fall for a long time, people kneel before the temple to offer incense and sacrifices, submit petitions, and pray for rain and the Dragon King to bring precipitation.

In olden times, it was believed that rain was brought by the Dragon King. Dragons could ride the clouds and mist over the seas and rivers, so when the rains failed to come, people would plead with the Dragon King, and then the rain would fall. If rain did not arrive around the time of Mangzhong (a solar term), the land could not be planted and seedlings could not sprout. At such times, people would go to the Dragon King Temple to kneel in prayer, offer incense, and beg for rain to save all living things. Households, both large and small, would also display Dragon Plaques—yellow paper inscribed with: “The Divine Seat of the Dragon Kings of the Nine Rivers, Eight Seas, Five Lakes, and Four Oceans.” On the sides were written: “Clouds gather naturally, and rain pours abundantly.” These plaques were placed at the entrances of homes, where a large vat was also set up and willow branches were inserted. People would kneel in the temple to offer incense and submit petitions (these petitions were addressed to the Jade Emperor). While I don’t recall the full wording, the general message was a plea to the Jade Emperor to issue an imperial decree, commanding the Dragon Kings of the Five Lakes, Four Oceans, Nine Rivers, and Eight Seas to quickly send urgent rain. It was warned that if no rain came in five days, there would be no grain; if none fell in ten days, there would be no crops. The petitioners asked the Jade Emperor to show mercy early in order to save the people below. If the much-needed rain arrived, people would offer sacrifices such as slaughtering pigs and sheep, and might even sponsor five days of opera performances to thank the deities. Others fulfilled vows by offering meat, while many chose to eat vegetarian food in return. Those who prayed for rain were not allowed to wear straw hats or shoes—they had to walk barefoot through the streets. Behind them, they carried a clay statue of the Dragon King, and each person wore a ring of willow twigs around their head, chanting “Amitabha, rain brings buns,” while splashing water at the gates of every household. The air was filled with desperate pleas. Some prayed and waited for three days; if the rain came, they would sponsor opera performances, offer sacrifices, and worship the Dragon King.