Qingzhong Temple (Longxing Temple)

Qingzhong Temple (Longxing Temple)

Qingzhong Temple (Longxing Temple) is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

Longxing Temple, originally named Qingzhong Temple, is situated in Sihouli Village, Shipu Township, seven and a half kilometers west of Xiangcheng County. Facing south, it was rebuilt during the Dade era (1282–1299 AD) of Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty. After repeated destruction and restoration, the temple has expanded significantly, covering more than 300 acres. It boasts pavilions, towers, pagoda forests, stone inscriptions, towering ancient trees, majestic halls, and a magnificent overall scene.

Reconstructed in the fourth year of the Mingshun era (1460 AD), the project took four years to complete. Li Min, then Minister of Revenue, composed an inscription that details the reconstruction. Originally, Longxing Temple had numerous structures including a front hall, memorial archway, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Yuewang Hall, Guan Di Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, Huoshen Hall, bell and drum towers, a golden incineration pavilion, and eastern and western pagoda forests. The temple complex was grand and imposing in scale.

Due to historical changes and damage during the Cultural Revolution, most of the temple’s buildings were destroyed. After the reform and opening-up, the Party and government placed great emphasis on religious work, leading to a flourishing of religious culture. Longxing Temple was subsequently renovated and expanded. It now includes four main halls—the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Middle Buddha Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Ksitigarbha Hall—three abbot rooms, six meditation rooms, ten dining halls, ten monks’ quarters, and accommodates over 20 monks. Facilities such as a chanting hall, mobile dharma service center, and release pond have also been established. In 2006, it was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

In 2004, the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau of Xiangcheng County approved the reopening of Longxing Temple as a place of religious activity. Since then, the temple has enjoyed flourishing incense offerings and active participation from devotees, presenting a vibrant and thriving scene.

In 2010, with the involvement of the county government and the Religious Affairs Bureau, Master Shiyuanhe from Daxiangguo Temple in Kaifeng was invited to oversee and manage the restoration and development of Longxing Temple. Upon his arrival, Master Shiyuanhe received strong support from the county government, the Religious Affairs Bureau, and local authorities. With a deep commitment to spreading Buddhism and rebuilding the temple, Master Shiyuanhe helped restore and revive Longxing Temple. Additional structures were built, including a mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and around 40–50 living quarters, along with the return of various Buddha statues. Today, the temple thrives with bustling incense offerings and a vibrant community of devotees.

A beautiful legend is widely told in the Xiangcheng area. It is said that when Wang Zhaojun passed through this region on her way to the frontier as part of a royal marriage alliance, she fell ill with a cold due to the harsh weather and stayed at a local farmer’s home. To help her recover, the farmer’s family braved the bitter cold to go to the Ru River to catch a carp. However, upon arriving, they found the river frozen solid and were unable to fish, so they returned home disappointed. To their surprise, they found several lively red carp swimming in their water tank. It turned out that the Little White Dragon of the Ru River, moved by Wang Zhaojun’s story, had transformed into human form and delivered the fish. Touched by their kindness but unwilling to take a life, Wang Zhaojun asked that the fish be released back into the river. Miraculously, she recovered immediately after the fish were set free. Before leaving, she expressed her gratitude by giving some of her personal ornaments and clothing to the farmer’s family. Years later, local people built a cenotaph in her honor to commemorate her noble act of marrying into a foreign land for peace.

It is said that Wang Zhaojun’s cenotaph was located in the backyard of Longxing Temple, though sadly it no longer exists. The site is now recognized as a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units