Dongshan Temple

Dongshan Temple

Dongshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Dongshan Temple is located on the eastern side of the mountain path at Shenshan in the northeast of Shangyao Town. Originally named Dasheng Temple, its exact date of construction is unknown. It is said to have been built during the Tang Dynasty, a period when Buddhism flourished, and is situated on Shenshan in Shangyao Town. The Huaiyuan County Annals and the Qing Dynasty’s Comprehensive Gazetteer state: “... its eastern peak is called Shenshan, standing 245 zhang high,” “it contains a Immortal’s Cave, hence the name Dongshan (Cave Mountain).”

The 19th day of the second lunar month is Guanyin’s birthday, coinciding with early spring. For this reason, the temple fair at Dongshan Temple is held on this day. The fair is extraordinarily bustling, attracting people of all ages from near and far, who come joyfully to celebrate the temple gathering. Devotees from both sides of the Huai River flock here to worship and pray. Ascending to the temple platform, one sees countless worshippers burning incense and candles, kneeling in prayer; the sounds of drums and gongs echo, along with continuous chants and prayers for blessings.

Dongshan Temple is shaded by pines and bamboos, offering a rustic charm of forests and hills. The Eight Scenic Spots of Dongshan further enchant visitors, making them linger and forget to leave. Zhu Di, a Bajiao (a successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination) of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, described the Eight Scenic Spots of Dongshan in his work “Temple Prologue” as follows: “Unique peaks block the sun, alongside ginkgo trees that touch the clouds; steep cliffs reach the sky, with immortal peaches hanging within the mist; inside caves are traces left by immortals, and on the beaches are footprints of the Queen Mother; a bridge arches like a rainbow, spanning over the cliff; a cave opens into a small chamber, housing stone Buddha statues in reverence. Truly a rare and renowned place, it is indeed an extraordinary marvel.”

Dongshan Temple was destroyed by the fires of war during the Japanese invasion in 1938. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the temple was initially restored with funding from the government and donations from the public. A Guanyin Temple has now been built, housing a statue of Guanyin bestowing a child. Three monk tombs of varying designs, rich in Buddhist elements, have also been constructed in the courtyard. A new colored Buddha statue has been carved on the stone wall, shining with a fresh luster and featuring lifelike expressions. At the mountaintop, two new pavilions have been erected, and a cement statue of Shisuosuo has been placed in the small chamber, where worshippers come to offer incense and fulfill vows.