Qingzhen Chan Temple Scenic Area

Qingzhen Chan Temple Scenic Area

Qingzhen Chan Temple Scenic Area is a cultural tourism attraction.

Qingzhen Chan Temple is located at the foot of Mianniu Mountain in Fushan Township, 23 kilometers southwest of Qingtian County, Lishui Region, Zhejiang Province. Originally named “Qingzhen Hall,” it was renamed in 1984. The temple complex covers an area of over 5,900 square meters, with a built-up area of more than 3,200 square meters. It was first built during the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, featuring a three-courtyard architectural layout. A side hall called “Madam’s Palace” was added on the right side during the Yuandade era (1297–1307), the front hall was expanded in the eighth year of the Ming Jiajing era (1529), and the main hall was renovated during the Qing Qianlong era. During the Qing Jiaqing era (1796–1820), the women’s guesthouse was enlarged. In the 11th year of the Xianfeng era (1861), when the Taiping Army captured Qingtian, the front hall was burned down and was later rebuilt in the first year of the Tongzhi era. In the 31st year of the Guangxu era, the east and west ceremonial gates were constructed. In the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), the bell and drum towers were built. In 1985, a perimeter wall was erected, the east and west ceremonial gates were removed, a mountain gate was constructed, a liberation pond was dug, a garden was created, further expanding the scale. The bell and drum towers were also integrated into the temple complex, forming a unified temple architectural ensemble.

The main structures of Qingzhen Chan Temple are arranged along a central axis, consisting of the mountain gate, bell and drum towers, liberation pond, first courtyard gate platform, second courtyard Hall of the White-Robed Prime Minister, third courtyard Guanyin Hall, side rooms, and the Lady’s Hall as a side structure on the west side. The total area is approximately 10,000 square meters. The mountain gate is a brick-and-concrete building designed in an ancient style, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. It was first built in 1985. The plaque above the gate, inscribed with “Blessing the Overseas Chinese Hometown,” was calligraphed by Sha Menghai in 1991. To the left and right of the mountain gate are the bell and drum towers, each square in shape, measuring 8.2 meters per side, with triple eaves and a four-corner pyramidal roof. Each tower houses a large bell and drum. In the center courtyard lies the liberation pond, with a “Lucky Bridge” built over it. The pond covers an area of about 200 square meters and was constructed in 1987. The first courtyard gate platform spans seven bays, 20.9 meters wide and 4 meters deep, featuring five rafters with a central column dividing a double-step beam. The second courtyard, the Hall of the White-Robed Prime Minister, is 22 meters wide and 11.25 meters deep, with eleven rafters and double-step beams both front and back. The central bay features an octagonal caisson ceiling with six tiers. It has a double-eave hip-and-gable roof, with ridge and vertical roof ornaments adorned with mythical creatures, and upturned eaves. Inside the hall stands a statue of the White-Robed Prime Minister. The side rooms are 7.6 meters wide and 5 meters deep, with a veranda furnished with rail benches. The third courtyard, the Guanyin Hall, is 18 meters wide and 14.9 meters deep, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. The hall houses statues of Guanyin and the Eighteen Arhats. Between the courtyards of the second and third halls lies a liberation pond built in the 11th year of the Tongzhi era (1872), covering an area of about 60 square meters. Adjacent to the west side of the Hall of the White-Robed Prime Minister is the side hall called the Lady’s Hall, which has three sections: the first section is 14.4 meters wide and 9.3 meters deep, featuring a double-eave hip-and-gable roof, with a Maitreya Buddha enshrined in the central bay and the Four Heavenly Kings on both sides. The second section is 19.7 meters wide and 7.3 meters deep, with Sakyamuni enshrined in the central bay and arhat murals on both sides. The third section, the Guanyin Hall, is 19.7 meters wide and 12.1 meters deep. The temple is richly adorned with painted beams and carved rafters, exuding a magnificent and deeply religious cultural ambiance.

In addition, Qingzhen Chan Temple keeps dozens of pairs of giant candles burning year-round, weighing 600, 1,000, 1,200, and even 2,000 jin (approximately 300 to 1,000 kg), commonly known as “Thousand Jin Candles.” These Thousand Jin Candles are eternal lamps, symbolizing longevity. A pair of these candles burns continuously for 365 days and nights, illuminating a full year — truly a unique spectacle in China. The making of these candles is overseen by a specialized folk belief organization known as the “Twenty-Four Worship Society” (which holds worship sessions on the first and fifteenth of every month, totaling twenty-four times a year). During the annual temple fair on the 19th of the second lunar month, devotees purchase the Thousand Jin Candles and present them in ceremonial processions accompanied by music and decorated carts. The lighting ceremony is then held at an auspicious time.