Haixing Wanghai Temple

Haixing Wanghai Temple

Haixing Wanghai Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located on the southeastern part of the small hill. Originally built during the Jin Dynasty, it was renovated and expanded in the 23rd year of the Chenghua reign of the Ming Dynasty (1487). Historical records state that after the renovation, Wanghai Temple had over 20 monks' quarters, with the temple gate facing west. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, the Minister of Personnel (a native of Haixing) wrote in his poem “Staying Overnight at Wanghai Temple on the Small Hill”: “Lanterns glow atop the rocks, monks’ quarters seen here and there. Vines blur into early night, starry rivers fill the skies above. Travelers return from distant mountain inns, temple bells echo long over sea and sky. The bright moon rises in the east, Penglai blends into the boundless haze.” This depicts the serene beauty of Wanghai Temple. The Small Hill was an important hub for fish and salt trade on the western coast of the Bohai Sea, attracting worshippers and merchants from all directions. At its peak, the temple housed hundreds of monks. A temple fair hosted by monks from Qinglong Temple was held annually on the 15th day of the third lunar month on the Small Hill, lasting ten days. During that time, the area teemed with crowds both uphill and down, with bustling market sounds creating a lively and extraordinary scene. The temple was demolished in 1942, and most of the monks returned to secular life. Among them, Monk Li Xinru continued to live on the Small Hill after leaving monastic life until his passing in 1991 at the age of 82.

Address: Within Haixing County, Cangzhou City