Shoufu Temple

Shoufu Temple

Shoufu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zixing is the hometown of the Longevity Buddha, Master Shiquanzhen. The Longevity Buddha, Shiquanzhen, whose secular surname was Zhou and given name Zonghui, was born in 728 AD (the 16th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty) in Zhouyuanshan, Zixing, Hunan. In 743 AD (the 2nd year of the Tianbao era), he became a monk and received precepts at the Kaiyuan Temple in Chenzhou. Later, he went to Hangzhou, Zhejiang, to study under Master Daoqin. In 748 AD (the 7th year of the Tianbao era), he accompanied his master to the capital to pay homage to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. In 756 AD (the 1st year of the Zhide era), he traveled to Xiangyuan County in Guangxi (now Quanzhou, Guangxi) where he founded the Pure Land Monastery (now known as Xiangshan Temple, hailed as the “Foremost Chan Monastery in Southern Chu”), and passed away peacefully in 867 AD (the 8th year of the Xiantong era) at the age of 138. Master Shiquanzhen authored works such as *The Herding Song*, *The Sutra of the Final Teachings*, and *Hundred Questions of Xiangshan*, and was conferred titles by five emperors throughout history. Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty honored him as “Master Jizhao,” Emperor Gaozong of the Song added the title “Compassionate and Auspicious Jizhao, Miraculously Responsive, Benefiting All Beings Master,” while Emperors Ningzong and Lizong of the Song further bestowed additional honors. Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty conferred upon him the title “Protective and Benevolent Longevity Buddha.” Due to his virtuous life and exceptional longevity, he was widely revered as the “Longevity Buddha” or “Lord Longevity Buddha,” enjoying great fame across southern China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and even Southeast Asia.

The Longevity Buddha Temple originates from the worship of the Longevity Buddha. Located on the picturesque banks of the Dong River in Liangshu Bay, the Longevity Buddha Temple is one of the key attractions of the Dongjiang Bay Scenic Area. Backed by Zhouyuanshan and fronted by the Little Dong River, it is embraced by rolling hills and surrounded by lush bamboo, blending mountain and water views in a uniquely beautiful landscape. The temple’s total planned area covers 30.7 hectares, with a construction area of 11 hectares, and a total investment of 35 million yuan. Designed in the architectural style of Tang Dynasty temples, the layout along the central axis includes, in sequence, the Mountain Gate Hall, the Longevity Buddha Hall, and the Mahavira Hall. The east wing houses the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Dining Hall, and Guest Reception Hall. The entire temple complex is simple yet majestic, exuding an ancient, serene elegance. The foundation stone for the restoration and reconstruction of the Longevity Buddha Temple was laid on July 22, 2007, and the grand completion ceremony along with the consecration ceremony for all the Buddha statues was held on May 4, 2009. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Master Shenghui, a deputy to the National People's Congress, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, and President of the Buddhist Association of Hunan Province. Over 200 eminent monks and senior monastics from various regions participated in the ceremony, with tens of thousands of devotees attending, marking an unprecedentedly grand event. Today, the temple continues to attract a constant stream of worshippers and tourists, with flourishing incense offerings and vibrant spiritual activity.