Main Hall of Fenghuang Temple

Main Hall of Fenghuang Temple

The Main Hall of Fenghuang Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province.

Main Hall of Fenghuang Temple

Located in Yangtou Village, Tong'an Town, Yongtai County, it was named Fenghuang Temple because the terrain here resembles a phoenix, prompting the decision to build the temple there. Originally constructed in the third year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty, the existing structures include the Three Treasures Hall, the Scripture Chanting Hall, and the Scripture Reading Tower, all surrounded by earthen and wooden walls. The main hall features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, and the wooden beams inside bear the inscription “Constructed in the fourteenth year of the Chongzhen Emperor, in the second month.”

A half-li path along the left side of the temple leads down to Shenggongyan Cave, which consists of two natural cave levels. The outer cave is over thirty meters high, while the inner cave is twelve meters high and thirteen meters deep, with the outer cave being over twenty meters wide and the inner cave twelve meters wide.

There are two ancient steles at Fenghuang Temple: One, from the year of Xinsi in the Chongzhen era (1641), was erected by lay Buddhist Li Tianli, recording the names and silver donations of benefactors at the time. The other, erected in the thirty-fifth year of the Qianlong era (1770), bears the inscription: “Fenghuang Temple is a renowned site by the Jinshui River, an ancient relic of Shan Yang. Its gate faces stone caves, and its hall echoes with bell sounds. The Wushui River encircles like stars, reminiscent of the twelve great rivers of the Ganges; the Putuo peaks are veiled in mist, akin to the three thousand worlds. Falling petals and cloud-like blossoms share the hue of green pines nearby; the cries of apes under the moonlit night blend with the sounds of emerald bamboo in the empty corridors. Mist curls as birds chirp cheerfully; winding paths see poets follow one after another. Water droplets fly like sapphires, often hanging above forests of treasures; mountain peaks float like blue crowns, casting distant reflections over ponds of nine treasures. Rock ridges form lines like divine vultures, and caves reveal images of celestial dragons. With exceptional people and a spiritual land, the top scholar Zheng’s literary brilliance shoots through the stars; startled sand and fluttering reeds leave the ink of Engineer Xie fragrant still. Behold, the gathering woods of the Twenty-Fourth District truly form a pure realm enduring for thousands of years. The Tiger Stream follows the old path, its imprint truly created in the Wanli year; the Deer Park is renewed purely, its foundation rising again in the Kangxi year. Later, the compassionate boat ceases to ferry, pitifully leaving only ghost wails in empty mountains; the precious trees wither constantly, inevitably allowing foxes to linger at the temple corners. Horizontal beams shine like blue tiles—do not claim bottles brim with sweet dew; leaking rain pelts golden statues—do not speak of heavenly flowers covering the ground. Amidst the glimmer of colored glaze, the Vajra seems to frown with sorrow; within the sealed incense mist, the Maitreya finds it hard to smile. Locals sigh in private, travelers lament in sympathy. Now, Monk Mo plants grass and calls for vows, greatly expanding the spirit of Vimalakirti; Master Ding sacrifices his robes to continue the lineage, restoring the Linji school’s tradition. Hundred-acre gold expanses, three-text splendors shine anew. Spring arrives at the Sacred Tree, suddenly astonishing as a silver hall flies in; auspicious haze over the Garden of Bliss, joyfully witnessing the descent of jade fruits. Parting the embroidered palace of the Tathagata, winds flip through thousands of palm-leaf scriptures; gazing at the scripture tower of Shakyamuni, sunlight reflects on lotus flowers ten zhang tall. The sky fills with Buddhist chants, directly attesting to true suchness; midnight bells resonate, forever awakening illusory dreams. After the rain, in the bamboo courtyard, seek monks through the forest of begging bowls; beneath the moon, in the meditation room, sit and listen to the dharma of plucking flowers. Layman Que Mishan, a scholar from Yongshui, is not merely a descendant of Golden Rice, but indeed exerts his modest efforts. Humble verse by Bai the Elder: once among the ranks of Buddha worshippers, fond of wine like Tao the Elder, mistakenly joined a society of pure cultivation. Delighted to see this endeavor completed, I inscribe its merit for immortality, thus. The thirty-fifth year of the Qianlong era, month of Gengyin, Mifeng Bao Ganhong respectfully composed and wrote.”

Listed as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in 2001.

Tong'an Town: Located in the western part of Yongtai County, 28 kilometers from the county seat, it covers a total area of 127 square kilometers, including 21,458 mu of arable land and 168,111 mu of forested land. It governs 23 administrative villages with a total population of 32,700. The town vigorously develops characteristic agriculture, mainly including seagrass, new reed grass, tea, fruit, and off-season vegetables. Major scenic spots and historical sites include Baiji Gully Scenic Area, Fenghuang Temple, and Qingshi Fort.

In 2004, the total industrial output value reached 57.88 million yuan, the total agricultural output value was 122.54 million yuan, the total fiscal revenue was 489,200 yuan, and township enterprises... More detailed information about Tong'an Town++