Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage

Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage

Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage is a cultural relic protection unit of Chenghai District.

Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage is located at the western foot of Divine Mountain in Guanshan Management Area, Shanghua Town, Chenghai City, within the ancient scenic area known as Gu Sheng Jing. Also called Stone Buddha Chan Temple, it was built in the 11th year of the Chongzhen reign during the Ming Dynasty (1638). Built against the mountain, it forms an integrated complex with the "Divine Mountain Mazu Temple" and the "Divine Mountain Guanyin Hall," together constituting a sizable group of ancient buildings covering a total area of 4,100 square meters, all featuring flush gable roofs.

Stone Buddha Chan Temple. The Stone Buddha is a half-relief standing statue of Guanyin, carved directly into a natural rock face, measuring 3 meters in height and 2 meters in width, with the actual sculpture of Guanyin being 1.5 meters tall. In addition to this Guanyin statue, the temple also enshrines Bodhidharma and the Eighteen Arhats, forming part of the "Guanshan Huan Cui" (Verdant Hills Embracing Guanshan), one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Chenghai since the Ming and Qing dynasties. The site features serene winding paths and exquisitely beautiful scenery. At the mountain gate, there is a stone-carved plaque inscribed with “Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage,” along with a couplet reading: “Deep in the mountains lies an ancient temple; within the stone chamber shines a golden statue.” On the western side of the pathway stands a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The second hall features a horizontal plaque inscribed with “Linghai Dongtian” (Cave Heaven of the Mountain and Sea), accompanied by a couplet that reads: “The winding paths of the cave heaven bear the worldly twists of fate; the blue sea’s compassionate ferry specially protects those with kind hearts in the world.” The third hall has a stone-carved plaque inscribed with “Stone Buddha Chan Temple,” written by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China. The Guanyin Hall houses exquisitely crafted statues of the Goddess of Mercy, the Eighteen Arhats, and the mounts of Manjushri and Samantabhadra, all uniquely designed. Well-preserved stone tablets from the Ming and Qing dynasties are still kept within the hermitage.

To the north of the Guanyin Hall, ninety-nine winding stone steps connect Divine Mountain Ancient Hermitage with structures such as the Divine Mountain Mazu Temple, Guanyin Hall, Kuixing Pavilion, and Osmanthus Pavilion. Temples and pavilions stand staggered amidst green shades, complemented by cliff inscriptions from various dynasties such as “Guān Rì Fēng” (Sun-Viewing Peak), “Guān Yáng Fú Dì” (Blessed Land of Sunlight), “Xīn” (Heart), “Gōng Yù” (Polishing Jade), “Shí Diǎn Tóu” (Stone Nods), “Chuí Yún” (Hanging Cloud), “Hú Jì Xiān Zōng” (Traces of the Immortal in the Pot), “Kè Yǐn” (Hidden Retreat), and “Xiān Yán Dì Yī Quán” (First Spring of the Immortal Cliff), which enhance the charm of the ancient hermitage.

In 1984, the Chenghai County People's Government designated it as a cultural relic protection unit.

Shanghua Town: Located in the downstream delta of the Han River, Shanghua Town borders the urban area of Chenghai to the east and is adjacent to Chaozhou City to the west. The Tropic of Cancer runs across the entire territory, giving the town a South Asian tropical monsoon climate. It boasts beautiful natural scenery and abundant resources. The town currently has a population of over 30,000 and covers a land area of 21.37 square kilometers. With a large overseas Chinese population and many compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, it is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese in Guangdong Province.

Shanghua Town's infrastructure is continuously improving, creating a superior investment environment. Roads within the town, such as Chengjiang Highway, Huadong Highway, Xiadao Highway, and Shangdu Highway, connect with National Highways 324 and 266, forming the town’s... Shanghua Town detailed information++