Huiji Shrine

Huiji Temple

Huiji Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Huiji Temple

Huiji Temple was a renowned temple complex in ancient Huaiyin, located about two li north of Matou Town, adjacent to the confluence of the Grand Canal, the Erhe River, and the Zhangfu River. Originally named “Tianfei Temple,” it was also called “Iron Drum Temple” and commonly known as “Grandma Temple.” Built in the second year of the Zhengde era during the Ming Dynasty (1507), in the 16th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1751), Emperor Qianlong made a southern tour and established an imperial palace to the left of the temple. By imperial decree, it was rebuilt in the style of inner palace altars and temples and renamed “Huiji Temple,” hence it once had the grandeur of an imperial residence.

Covering an area of approximately 58 mu, it extended from the three-bay pillar gate at the front of the temple to the imperial hall, totaling eight bays. The temple stood atop a high ridge, with a terrain resembling a spine and surrounded by rivers on three sides. In the old days, during the Lunar New Year and the seventh day of the fourth lunar month when the Mazu Festival was held, worshippers came from all over in the tens of thousands. The temple was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, leaving only an imperial stele commemorating the reconstruction of Huiji Temple. Although the temple no longer exists, boatmen traveling from the south and north and devout worshippers still hold deep reverence for the deities enshrined here. The temple maintains considerable fame among pilgrims both domestically and overseas. Though the physical structure is gone, worshippers continue to come in an endless stream, including occasional visitors from countries such as Japan and South Korea.