Nanzheng Temple

Nanzheng Temple

Driving about five to six kilometers north from the county town, you will see mountains surrounding the area like a screen and lush green trees as dark and verdant as emeralds. This is the Nanzheng Temple Scenic Area. Nanzheng Temple is located on the mountainside.

Nanzheng Temple was first built in the late Southern Song Dynasty and was originally named Linzheng Temple before being renamed to its current title. Having weathered the passage of time and undergone multiple periods of flourishing and decline, the temple is built against a mountain, facing south, and consists of one main hall and two temples: Nanzheng Temple, Zuohua Temple, and Jiuhua Mountain Temple. The temple buildings have been repaired and renovated many times, shining brilliantly with golden hues. Surrounded by lush bamboo and pine trees, with gentle breezes blowing through, the environment is tranquil and the scenery pleasant. Upon entering the mountain gate and walking up the stone steps along the wall, you will reach the Reclining Buddha Hall, an octagonal tower-like structure where a solemn statue of the Reclining Sakyamuni made of Burmese white jade is enshrined in the center. This reclining Buddha was donated by overseas Chinese. Exiting the Reclining Buddha Hall, you will see three Buddhist halls standing side by side: Nanzheng Temple, Zuohua Temple, and Nanzheng Temple (note: possible duplication; possibly intended as another temple). Nanzheng Temple is the site of the original old temple, while Nanzheng Temple and Zuohua Temple were expanded in 1986. Nanzheng Temple and Nanzheng Temple (note: possible duplication) worship the same bodhisattvas, mainly the Three Jewels of Buddhism. First is the Heavenly King Hall, where the main entrance features the Maitreya Buddha with a “big belly that can tolerate all and a smile that is ever-present,” and behind the Maitreya Buddha stands the Vajra Guardian deity holding ritual implements, who is the Bodhisattva Weituo protecting all sentient beings. The shrine in the Mahavira Hall enshrines the Three Jewels of Buddhism, and the pillars are inscribed with a couplet: “All attain the wondrous Dharma and ultimate purity; widely deliver all beings as if bridging a river.” On both sides are eighteen arhats in various postures, some sitting, some standing, some dancing with joy. Zuohua Temple mainly worships Guanyin Bodhisattva and Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is the founder of Zen Buddhism, the Buddhist sect that has had the most extensive influence on Chinese cultural thought.

Nanzheng Temple enshrines a more diverse array of deities, including the Three Jewels Bodhisattvas, the Jade Emperor, the Goddess of the Ninth Heaven, the Old Ancestor of Huashan, and even statues of Bao Zheng and his two generals Zhang Long and Zhao Hu. It is truly a place where Buddhism and Taoism coexist under one roof. The temple also has several rear buildings and wing rooms that serve as living quarters for the nuns. Since its reconstruction funded by nuns during the Ming Dynasty, Nanzheng Temple has been presided over by nuns.

Exiting the Mahavira Hall and ascending the stone steps behind the hall, you will find the Lingxiao Hall and the Three Saints Hall. Walking along the stone steps for about a hundred meters, you will arrive at Jiuhua Mountain Temple, an exquisitely built shrine. Behind the temple stands a towering ancient banyan tree, tall and umbrella-like. Its roots, however, are deeply embedded in the crevices of a large rock. Despite harsh living conditions, the tree has flourished for over a hundred years, seemingly symbolizing the prosperity of Buddhism. The rock is inscribed with: “Calm contemplation can conceal secrets; endurance is as solid as the earth.” To the upper right is the main hall of Huashan Temple, which primarily worships Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This temple was built following the architectural style of the Ksitigarbha Hall of Jiuhua Mountain in Anhui. In front of the hall lies a huge rock inscribed with the teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: “Only when all beings are saved will I attain enlightenment; I vow not to become a Buddha until hell is empty.”

Climbing to the back mountain and passing through the woods, you will reach the mountaintop. There is a massive rock on the summit shaped like a drum, hence the name Drum Rock Mountain. Standing atop Drum Rock Mountain, you can gaze into the distance at the vast sea, scattered islands, and passing boats; the surrounding fields, orchards, ditches, and villages are all within view. In front of Nanzheng Temple is a reservoir shimmering with ripples, reflecting the green mountains, trees, and blooming flowers, creating a refreshing and delightful scene. Nearby, around Drum Rock Mountain, there are many peculiar rocks and stone carvings, such as Monk Rock, Immortal’s Footprint, Stone Turtle, and Stone Snake, each with unique shapes. The carvings include inscriptions such as “Jiuhua Mountain,” “Putuo Mountain,” “Must Pant,” and “Buddha’s Heart.”

Nanzheng Temple is now a county-level cultural relics protection unit. In recent years, it has been developed into a tourist attraction, attracting a continuous stream of pilgrims and visitors who can either worship devoutly or enjoy the beautiful scenery of green waters and lush mountains.

Zhangtang Town: Located in the central part of Dongshan, adjacent to the county town, Zhangtang Town covers an area of 18.8 square kilometers. Situated in the hinterland of Dongshan County, the town spans a total area of 18.8 square kilometers, including 6,000 mu of mountainous land, 9,500 mu of cultivated land, and over 15,000 mu of coastal tidal flats. It governs 17 natural villages and 9 administrative villages, with a population of 16,000. The town has been awarded honors such as “Provincial Science and Technology Demonstration Town,” “Provincial Advanced Model Township for Coastal Shelterbelt System Construction,” and “Provincial Top Ten Ecological Townships.”

The town enjoys a distinct geographical advantage. Transportation is convenient and fast, with the West-Tong Scenic Avenue and the upcoming construction... More detailed information about Zhangtang Town++