Longxing Taoist Temple in Pingyang

Longxing Taoist Temple in Pingyang

Longxing Taoist Temple is located on Longxing Mountain in Nan'yandangshan Town, Pingyang County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The mountain resembles a dragon shape, with five "dragon veins" in front, hence it is also called "Five Dragons Paying Homage." Below the mountain lies a reservoir that winds around the hillside, resembling a "silver snake," also known as a "jade belt encircling the waist." It has long been regarded as a geomantic treasure land in Taoism. Historically, there was an Old Master Temple on Longxing Mountain, where local residents often came to burn incense and worship the Old Master, praying for clear weather or rain. Since the temple is situated on Longxing Mountain, it is thus named "Longxing Temple."

Longxing Taoist Temple on Longxing Mountain is based on Chinese Taoist culture, with a core mission of promoting the culture of Laozi (the Supreme Old Lord). It continuously inherits history and promotes traditional Taoist (Daoist) culture. Currently, Longxing Temple has restored the mountain gate archway of Longxing Mountain. The three characters of the “Longxing Taoist Temple” plaque and the couplet “Voices from the Clouds Reach the Immortal Realm, Prosper the Nation and Benefit the People” were personally inscribed by Ren Farong, President of the Chinese Taoist Association. The side couplets were composed by Zhou Yongshen, an official from the Educational Affairs Department of the Chinese Taoist Association.

The main hall, Laojun Altar, is modeled after the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, covering an area of over 400 square meters. It features a triple-eaved domed structure with colorful paintings, using ink-line large-dot-gold coloring. The inner ceiling is adorned with a caisson ceiling. The statue of Laojun stands 9.9 meters tall and is made of high-quality clay sculpture. On both sides are enshrined deities such as the Primordial Master of Literature and the Eastern Flower Emperor. The name “Laojun Altar” was inscribed by General Zhao Chengye.

The Mountain Gate Hall enshrines deities such as the Heavenly General Erlang and the Sixty Jiazi Gods. The rear hall is dedicated to deities such as Doumu Yuanjun and Cihang Daozun. The east and west wing rooms function respectively as a painting and calligraphy institute, monks’ quarters, dining hall, and temple reception area.

Source: Daoism Voice