Guanhai Temple

Guanhai Temple

Guanhai Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Guanhai Temple, located at the foot of Paotai Mountain, two kilometers behind Bigang Village to the east of Huanggang in Raoping County, was first built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It was renovated in 1980 by Buddhist nun Shi Hongshun (1923–1998), further restored and provided with a main access road starting in 1983 by Monk Shi Hongzhao, and revitalized by Monk Shi Daming. In 1988, it received the first batch of official permits to open from the county religious affairs bureau, and on October 21, 1988, it was listed as a key cultural relic protection site of the county. Ancient temple hidden in the forest, legendary caves, remnants of sword-testing sites, and renewed sea-viewing vistas.

During the Song Dynasty, monks first built a thatched hut here for solitary practice, naming it “Dingguang Rock.” It was destroyed in wars during the Yuan Dynasty, leaving only the cave behind the hut (now known as Little Cave Heaven). In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the temple was relocated to the southwest side of the cave and rebuilt, and renamed “Guanhai Temple.” In the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), the rear section of the temple was reconstructed. In 1929, during the Republic of China era, Monk Shi Chuntong (1882–1937) took up residence here. He engaged in farming and practiced the integration of agriculture and Zen, practicing frugality to raise funds and soliciting donations widely. Between 1933 and the summer of 1937, he rebuilt the main hall and the wing rooms on both sides.

During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was occupied and repurposed as a farm. In 1980, with the implementation of religious policies, Buddhist nun Shi Hongshun labored diligently on the mountain for three years, sustaining the monastery through farming and restoring the temple, bringing back the sounds of bells and chants. In 1988, Monk Shi Hongzhao presided over efforts to gather donations from devotees at home and abroad to renovate the rear section once more.

The temple is built along the mountain with a unique layout, divided into an outer courtyard, an inner courtyard, and finally the main hall facing south with a single room (Guanyin Hall) and two side chambers, covering a construction area of about 400 square meters. The outer courtyard has no formal entrance; visitors enter and exit through circular gates on the east and west sides, which also lead to the inner courtyard. The main hall houses the Guanyin Hall, enshrining Guanyin and the Eighteen Arhats on either side.

Little Cave Heaven. Also known as “Dingguang Rock,” this is the former name of Guanhai Temple, located northeast of the temple. The cave spans several dozen square meters and contains a natural stone pillar. Initially, monks chose this cave for solitary practice and residence. At that time, the area around the cave was covered with ancient trees, entwined with vines, alive with birdsong, and accompanied by the sound of waves crashing against rocks below like a Dharma teaching. In the distance, the sea and sky merged into one, dotted with white sails. This setting could truly inspire practitioners to realize emptiness and comprehend profound truths.

Seven Treasures Rock. Also called “Upper Rock” (with Little Cave Heaven being the Lower Rock), it is located at the northern top of Little Cave Heaven and was used as a meditation retreat by monks. The cave features naturally formed stone beds, stone tables, and stone desks, and enshrines the Seven Jewels Buddhas, hence the name “Seven Treasures Rock.”

Source: Chaozhou Government Website

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