Yuanpu Temple

Yuanpu Temple

Yuanpu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yuanpu Temple is located in Wuheng Township, Yixiu District. Wuheng Township is a well-known cultural hub, boasting a rich cultural atmosphere and a long history of producing scholars and artists. The renowned calligrapher Deng Shiru and nuclear physicist Deng Jiaxian, one of the fathers of China’s “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program, were both born in Wuheng Township.

Yuanpu Temple was first built during the Tianqi era of the late Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was relocated under a bridge in Wuheng Township to prevent monks from fleeing. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and all facilities were lost. Fortunately, the preserved body of Master Liao Zhen remains intact to this day. In 1992, upon the unanimous request of local residents and with the support of government authorities at various levels, the temple was restored, and a golden body was created for Master Liao Zhen, thus preserving this historic site. Over the following years, with strong support from all sectors, the three main halls were gradually completed, and the temple has since seen a continuous flow of worshippers and visitors.

The Relic Pagoda enshrines the preserved golden body of Master Liao Zhen. The master, whose dharma name was Xinping and secular surname was Duan, was originally a bamboo weaver from Dongxiang, Zongyang. He became a monk at the age of 49 at Yuanpu Temple and devoted himself to ascetic practice for 47 years, finally attaining enlightenment in the 42nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign. Before passing away, he instructed his disciples to place his body seated inside a jar and to open it two years later. If the body had decayed, it could be disposed of as they saw fit; if it remained intact, it should be moved to Annya (the current site) to be enshrined in a stupa, with an octagonal pavilion built around it. When the jar was opened after his passing, his body was found to be miraculously well-preserved, just as he had predicted, so his instructions were followed. During his lifetime, Master Liao Zhen was known for his strict discipline. When taking on carpentry jobs, he always brought his own cooking utensils. Some of the bamboo products he made were still preserved among locals in the early years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

It is said that Master Liao Zhen loved eating rice cakes, especially glutinous rice cakes. Therefore, every year on the 23rd day of the 10th lunar month, the anniversary of his birth, many worshippers bring rice cakes to offer as tribute—a tradition that continues to this day. Thanks to the presence of the master’s preserved body, the temple has enjoyed enduring popularity and flourishing incense offerings.

Wuheng Township: Wuheng Township, Yixiu District, Anqing City, is located at the northern gate of Anqing, a national historical and cultural city, at the northern foot of the Dali Mountain National Forest Park, 15 kilometers from the city center. The township covers a total area of 48.98 square kilometers, governs four administrative villages and one neighborhood committee, and has a total population of over 18,000. The total arable land area is 13,000 mu, and the mountainous forest area spans 48,000 mu, classifying it as a shallow hill and hilly region.

Wuheng Township enjoys a superior transportation location. Within a 15-kilometer radius, it connects to the entry and exit points of the Hefei–Anqing Expressway, National Highway 206, as well as the airport, ports, and train stations. The township’s Zongpu-Liangting Road runs through it. Wuheng Township detailed information++