Shuixin Taoist Temple

Shuixin Taoist Temple

Heaven and earth nurture extraordinary people and a spiritually rich land; time may pass quickly, but its essence endures. Among the enduring historic treasures of Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is the Shuixin Taoist Temple (Shuixin Hall).

Shuixin Taoist Temple is located on Shuixin Islet in the middle of the crisscrossing river at the southern end of Hengdu, in the southern suburbs of Lucheng District, Wenzhou. It was first built in the eighth year of the Qiandao era (1172 AD), over eight hundred years ago. The temple has endured many trials through the changing times. In 1990, the Wenzhou Taoist Association applied for and received approval from the State Council to establish the Shuixin Taoist Temple.

Hengdu’s Shuixin Islet is surrounded by water, with shimmering waves, misty vistas, and radiant clouds, offering a uniquely charming landscape. To the east lies Daqiu Mountain, and to the south one can gaze upon Daluo Mountain. The mountains and waters blend harmoniously, creating a stunningly beautiful scenery. In the late Western Han Dynasty, when Wang Mang caused chaos across China and the Jin court relocated eastward, Jiankang (now Nanjing) was established as the capital. A prefect built Bailu City, developed water conservancy projects, and dredged the river channels to benefit the people. He personally visited Shuixin Islet, observed the scenery, and composed a poem: “The small Shuixin islet resembles Jiangxin, a naturally formed beauty through ancient and modern times. Commanding the stars above the Ou River,

with a southern view of Luofeng Peak cloaked in purple haze.” A famous Southern Song Dynasty poet wrote: “Green mountains encircle the ancient islet, autumn waters reflect the pavilions, the bright moon enhances the scenic beauty, and a gentle breeze welcomes visitors.” During the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era, Grand Secretary Zhang Jingfu visited Shuixin Islet and composed a seven-character quatrain: “Ancient grand structures float midstream in the sky and water, misty spring city views enchant under the veil of rain. The wondrous beauty rivals that of Penglai, as rosy clouds shine brilliantly through purple hues.” Countless poets and scholars throughout history have been drawn to Shuixin Islet to explore and praise its beauty through their verses. The cultural heritage and natural scenery of Shuixin Islet are truly unparalleled in the southeast.

In the spring of 1991, Shuixin Taoist Temple suffered a devastating fire, causing monuments to collapse and walls to crumble, resulting in nearly total loss.

In early 1992, with strong support from higher authorities and the Wenzhou Taoist Association, along with the joint efforts of the temple management and generous donations from benefactors and overseas Chinese, Shuixin Taoist Temple was rebuilt following the architectural style of a Taoist Penglai paradise. After years of dedication, a garden-style Taoist temple emerged before the public. The Pingshui King Hall features three courtyards and one platform, with left corridors and right wings, adorned with carved dragons and painted beams, and upturned eaves; the Yuantong Hall is serene and solemn, exuding an antique charm; the Hexin Pavilion is elegantly unique, with a refreshing breeze, offering a distinctive atmosphere; the Yuanping Bridge is a small, movable bridge lying gracefully across the water, connecting north and south, perfectly blending modern technology with classical architecture, and offering a uniquely tranquil charm; the Gate of Wonders stands like a natural barrier in front of the Yuanping Bridge, guarded by twin stone lions, majestic and imposing; the Release Pond is home to playful fish, with curved bridges, stone corridors, and ancient pavilions overhead, offering a delightful retreat for the soul; the Qiongxian Tower resembles a heavenly paradise; complemented by red walls, blue tiles, pavilions, terraces, lush green lawns, and vibrant flower clusters, the temple fully captures the charm of the Jiangnan water town and embodies the essence of Ou Yue culture.

Today, Shuixin Taoist Temple covers an area of 4,260 square meters, surrounded by Wenzhou’s new municipal government building, the towering Science and Technology Museum, the picturesque Xiushan Park, and wide roads. Ancient Taoist culture and modern technological civilization complement and integrate seamlessly.

In June 2001, Shuixin Taoist Temple in Hengdu, Wenzhou, joined a series of charity initiatives organized by the Lucheng District Charity Federation, including “Charity Day Donation” and “Spring Breeze of Warmth.” To date, it has donated 150,000 yuan to the Lucheng District Charity Federation. In 2003, Shuixin Taoist Temple donated over 800,000 yuan in charitable funds to welfare organizations and the Poverty Alleviation Committee of the Wenzhou Taoist Association, among others. Among these, the heartfelt assistance provided to abandoned infants, blind child Wu Taotao, Sichuan teenager Liu Yang who was critically ill due to rat poison poisoning, and Anhui youth Wang Xiao who suffered severe benzene poisoning were particularly moving acts of compassion.

If Shuixin Taoist Temple in Hengdu is the most distinctive and culturally profound center of the Longmen Sect in Wenzhou, then its abbot, Mr. Zhou Xiaoman, is a shining star illuminating the entire city. His innate inclination toward kindness, his humility and detachment, and his outstanding contributions to the temple have long been celebrated like a deeply moving hymn, widely recounted and admired by the people.