Huping HuiLong Temple

Huping HuiLong Temple

Huping HuiLong Temple is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Fujian Province.

Huping HuiLong Temple, according to the *Gutian County Annals: Scenic Spots* (Republic of China edition), states: “HuiLong Temple was built during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty in Xiadunli, Shiba Du.” It has a history of nearly 200 years. The temple covers an area of 8 mu (approximately 480 square zhang), located southwest of Xinfang Village in Huping Town, about 1 li from the new development zone of Huping Town. In the early years, this place was nestled against mountains and beside water. It had a grand and spacious main hall, with three sides of the temple’s back surrounded by ancient green hills and towering trees that shaded the sunlight. In front of the temple, clear green waters meandered gently, creating a tranquil, serene, and deeply peaceful environment. It was once a sacred site where monks meditated and practiced Buddhism, where scholars of the late Qing Dynasty immersed themselves in study, and where devotees came to offer incense and worship. The incense offerings remained strong throughout the years, which is why it was recorded in the county annals. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Min Dongbei People’s Guerrilla Unit also passed through and stayed here briefly.

Over the past hundred years, after multiple renovations and continuous expansions, the temple has successively added structures including a Guanyin Tower, Maitreya Hall, Main Hall, monks’ quarters, pilgrim dormitories, kitchen, and restroom, with a total construction area of 623 square meters. The temple houses resplendent golden statues of the Buddha, Guanyin, Maitreya, and the Eighteen Arhats. All facilities are relatively complete, accommodating hundreds of people for worship and communal meals simultaneously. Currently, the temple is managed by Venerable Master Yin Quan. During festivals and Buddhist events, some elderly devotees from Xinfang Village volunteer enthusiastically to help, ensuring orderly management.

With the completion of the new development zone in Huping, the population around the temple has doubled, and the number of worshippers has steadily increased. Especially after the construction of cement roads connecting Huping to Dacai (the former residence of martyr Huang Xiaomin), Duanshang (the hometown of Master Yuanying), and Fuda (a village inhabited by ethnic minorities)—all of which run past the temple—transportation has become more convenient. Merchants, travelers, and visitors come more frequently, and the number of worshippers and pilgrims continues to rise, making the incense offerings increasingly prosperous.