Guling Temple

Guling Temple

Guling Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guling Temple

Nestled at the eastern foot of Qiyun Mountain in the northern suburbs of Huanggang Town, Raoping County — specifically along the ancient path of Guduling in Xiaxi Administrative District — Guling Temple was originally built in the early Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). It was completely reconstructed between 1992 and 1997 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the then abbess, Venerable Shi Dawai. Facing the Zhanlin Harbor of the South China Sea and backed by the peaks of Qiyun Mountain, the temple is embraced by verdant hills and crystal-clear waters, radiating a refined charm. Numerous elegant couplets and calligraphic works are engraved on its pillars, making it a notable destination for both Buddhist worship and sightseeing.

Outside the back wall of the temple lies a massive natural rock inscribed with the Chinese character for “Buddha” (佛). The rock is six meters high and five meters wide. In the early Qing Dynasty, this site was home to a small temple. An ancient path behind the temple led to surrounding villages in the hills, and travelers would always stop to pray before crossing the ridge. A barrel of boiled water was placed in front of the temple for passersby to drink from. The old temple has since been abandoned.

With the advent of reform and opening-up, all industries flourished. In 1990, compatriots from Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as local elders proposed rebuilding the temple on this historic site. Through the strenuous fundraising efforts of Venerable Shi Dawai and generous donations from devotees and villagers, construction of the Mahavira Hall began in 1992 and was completed the following year. Over the next four years, further construction continued: uneven ground was leveled, walls were erected, and towers were built, leading to the full completion of the temple. A total of 660,000 yuan was invested (with an additional 150,000 yuan allocated for constructing a cement road). The temple now covers an area of 2,700 square meters, including 800 square meters of building space. It faces south and is laid out in a three-courtyard structure. The front hall is the Heavenly King Hall, featuring seated statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, each two meters tall. The middle hall is the Mahavira Hall, housing a seated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The rear building has the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Hall on the lower floor and the Cundi Bodhisattva Hall on the upper level. An east wing includes a rectangular two-story structure. In front of the Heavenly King Hall is a gray-paved open area measuring 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, along with a small liberation pond. Blessed with a unique environment — rolling green hills, lush fruit trees, gentle breezes, and bright moonlight — it is truly a serene sanctuary.

Source: Chaozhou Government Website

Huanggang Town: Located on the coast of the South China Sea and at the border of Fujian and Guangdong, Huanggang Town is the seat of Raoping County and serves as the county’s political, economic, and cultural center. Known as the “Eastern Gateway of Guangdong,” it is nestled between mountains and the sea, along the southern bank of a river, and boasts outstanding natural beauty and abundant resources. The Huanggang River runs from north to southeast through the town before emptying into the South China Sea. With higher terrain in the north and lower in the south, the region enjoys a mild climate, ample rainfall, and balanced sunlight brought by the subtropical maritime monsoon, resulting in spring-like weather all year round. It is a delightful place ideal for living, working, and traveling. Honors include “National Advanced Unit for Agricultural Technology Extension” and “Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Arts.”   Huanggang Town detailed information ++