Changshan Temple

Changshan Temple

Changshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Changshan Temple, also known as Longmu Temple, Yuechengjun Temple, or Holy Mother Temple, is located on the western bank of the Changshan Gorge at the western end of Qianyang Lake in the Fairy Lake Scenic Area. Facing east and nestled against the mountain and water, the temple is surrounded by ancient towering trees. It features three levels of architecture with pavilions standing in orderly rows, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight. A couplet on the temple gate reads:

“Originating in the Tang Dynasty, honored in the Song Dynasty, its sacred traces date back to Yuezhou City; for thousands of years its divine power has been revered for its holy virtue;

The child is filial, the mother is kind, its divine achievements protect the nation; millions rely on its grace and blessings.”

Legend has it that Longmu Temple was originally located in Yuexian County (with its administrative center in present-day Deqing County, Guangdong) of Kangzhou. During the Yuanhe era (806–820 AD) of the Tang Dynasty, Lu E often traveled and served in the southern regions, once holding a minor official position such as a scribe in Kangzhou. He heard that the Longmu Temple, which enshrined Longmu and Longbo, was extremely efficacious, so he went to the temple to burn incense and pray, hoping to be appointed as the local magistrate. One night, he dreamed that Longbo said to him, “You are to be this official, do you wish to repay me?” Lu E immediately promised that if the dream came true, he would respectfully enshrine Longmu and Longbo. The next day, he consulted a fortune-teller about his dream and received the auspicious omen of “seeing the dragon’s virtue.” Overjoyed, he asked someone to paint images of Longmu and Longbo, which he worshipped day and night. In the fifth year of the Dazhong era (831 AD), Lu E achieved his wish and became the magistrate of Yichun County. The following year, due to his good governance, he was commended by his superiors. In a year of severe drought, he prayed to Longmu for favorable weather and created Longmu Temple at Changshan Ferry, a key hub of water and land transportation, also known as Yuechengjun Temple. Since the story of Longmu (also called Wenmu or Wen’ao), who raised Longbo, and Longbo, who respected Longmu, spread far and wide, the Tang Dynasty bestowed the temple with the name “Xiaotong,” meaning filial piety reaching the heavens. Due to the ancient custom of referring to buildings and scenic spots by their geographical location, it was also called Changshan Temple.

Inside Changshan Temple, there are forty-nine statues of deities, with the main deity being Longmu (also known as Dragon Mother Goddess or Holy Mother of Changshan). The temple houses poetry, calligraphy, and paintings gifted by literati throughout the dynasties. During the Yongzheng and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty, additional structures such as a gate tower, walls, and the Wenchang Pavilion were added. For over a thousand years, the temple has shone with unique spiritual radiance, enjoyed flourishing incense offerings, and attracted worshippers from hundreds of kilometers around. Especially on the 13th day of the eighth lunar month—the commemoration of the Holy Mother’s birthday—drums and suonas sound, and worshippers flock to the temple, creating an exceptionally lively scene. Devotees even come from as far as Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces to pay homage.

Due to years of neglect, the temple gradually deteriorated. In 1962, the Buddhist Association invested in its restoration. However, the good times did not last long. On July 3, 1966, the temple was destroyed as part of the campaign against the “Four Olds,” and all sculptures, calligraphy... and other artistic treasures were completely lost. Changshan Temple was almost doomed to everlasting ruin. Yet, “after endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers, and a new village.” With the development of the Fairy Lake Scenic Area, in 1992, the municipal authorities approved the restoration of Changshan Temple. Through the efforts of the tourism department of Fenyi County, by the winter of 1994, the Guanyin Hall of Changshan Temple and the Chunyuan Wharf on the opposite bank had been restored. The latter was named after Mr. Liu Chunyuan, a Malaysian Chinese, who donated funds for its construction.

The Guanyin Hall faces 70 degrees (i.e., 20 degrees southwest and 20 degrees northeast). The roof of the hall is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the ends of the ridges are adorned with chiwen (mythical animal ornaments). At the center of the ridge stands a precious finial, topped with a bottle-shaped spire and stacked with four treasure beads below; two coiling dragons are carved along the ridge, both in an “S” shape, facing each other across

the finial. The hall is five bays wide, with six rows of columns, and six large red lanterns are hung, including two in the central bay and one each in the side bays. The hall enshrines the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin). To her left are a large drum and a female attendant, and to her right is a male attendant. Both Guanyin and the attendants stand on lotus pedestals, which are in turn atop Sumeru-style bases. The Guanyin statue and its pedestal slightly protrude forward, giving the overall platform a slight “品”-shape. In front of the Guanyin statue is a black-painted incense table, on which a statue of the Holy Mother of Changshan is placed. Above the railing of the Guanyin Hall hangs a red curtain, with a cloth plaque reading “Divine Light Shines Everywhere” across the top. Currently, visitors come here to sightsee, make wishes, draw lots, and pray for happiness and peace of mind. Soon, the other two sections of Changshan Temple will be restored. We believe that in the near future, a complete Changshan Temple complex will provide a wonderful tourist destination. Changshan Temple will surely revive its spiritual charm, bringing solace to people’s hearts and inspiring beautiful aspirations.

Admission: 2 RMB per person

Transportation: Take the Fenyi–Power Plant bus and get off on the opposite bank of Changshan Temple. Buses run once every hour.

Tip: After getting off the bus, take a ferry to the opposite bank to reach Changshan Temple. (Those coming to offer incense should dress modestly—no sandals or skirts allowed.) Half an hour away from Changshan Temple is Yan Song Cave.