Lianhua Temple

Lianhua Temple

Lianhua Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Lianhua Temple is located 64 kilometers north of Linkou County, about 2 kilometers from Lianhua New Town, 1 kilometer from Dongliu Village—the hometown of Yang Guizhen, one of the heroic “Eight Women Who Jumped into the River”—and less than 1 kilometer from the “China Rime Valley” scenic area. At the temple’s mountain gate are the renowned Lianhua Peak Resort and Lianhua Pool. In summer, the pool is covered with lotus blossoms, and the enchanting legend of Lianhua Pool captivates visitors. The temple lies downstream of the national key project from the Eighth Five-Year Plan period—the Lianhua Hydropower Station—and on the shores of Lianhua Lake. The picturesque Lianhua Peak winds elegantly, and Lianhua Temple nestles against the mountain and by the water within this setting, making it a sacred Buddhist site. Towering green trees and blue skies frame the majestic temple, while streams flow continuously, wild birds play, and hundreds of birds sing in chorus. The morning bells, evening drums, sutra chanting, and Buddhist mantras resound melodiously, creating a serene and solemn atmosphere.

Rebuilt in 1999, Lianhua Temple houses the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Three Saints Hall, the Kṣitigarbha Hall, the Scripture Depository, the Chanting Hall, the Bodhidharma Hall, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, two main buildings, two east-west wing rooms, and covers an overall area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The entire complex adopts the architectural style of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, featuring carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an antique charm. The Mahavira Hall sits prominently on the central platform, towering and resplendent, grand and magnificent in presence. To its left and right are the Three Saints Hall and the Kṣitigarbha Hall, while the east and west wing rooms connect the Bell and Drum Towers flanking the mountain gate. Upon entering the gate, visitors are greeted by the splendid Heavenly King Hall. The layout of the entire temple complex features structures at varying heights, with clear primary and secondary elements and symmetrical arrangement on both sides. Inside the Buddha halls, there are a total of 40 statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, including stone and bronze figures that are vivid and lifelike. The exquisite colorful murals feature elegant patterns and vibrant hues. The monastic community of Lianhua Temple persists in both construction labor and Buddhist practice, maintaining fixed daily morning and evening rituals, sutra recitation, Dharma lectures, and Buddha-name chanting. Beyond scheduled practices, they engage in farming, vegetable planting, firewood gathering, cooking, tree planting, land reclamation, wild vegetable picking, mushroom gathering, and sustain themselves through self-reliance—living a simple life with contentment and joy.

Lianhua Temple enjoys a superior geographical location. Jiapi Gully and the primitive forest scenic area of Weihu Mountain, depicted in “-Snow Source,” are less than 10 li away from the temple. The vast and beautiful Lianhua Lake boasts pleasant scenery, with peculiar peaks and unusual rocks scattered along both shores. The picturesque mountains and clear waters complement each other, and the renowned Immortal Cave is less than two kilometers from Lianhua Temple. Adjacent to the temple is the Lianhua Tourist Resort, which has its own unique charm. The area includes the Lianhua Park, a remnant of the ancient Bohai Kingdom. When the lotuses are in full bloom, the park becomes a picturesque scene. The breathtaking ancient Lianhua Basin relic, the lifelike Crocodile Watching the Sea rock formation, the thousand-step mountain stairway with the charm of Mount Tai, the gracefully arched waterside corridor reminiscent of a rainbow lying across the water, and the exquisitely designed botanical garden—all these scenic spots attract visitors from far and wide, who come in an endless stream. The area is truly blessed with wondrous mountains, beautiful waters, delightful sights, fragrant flowers, and breathtaking beauty. Nestled at the heart of these attractions, Lianhua Temple sees increasingly flourishing incense offerings and a growing tide of visitors.