Xianyan Temple

Xianyan Temple

Xianyan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xianyan Temple

Located on the eastern part of Yantou in Raoyang Town, Raoping County, this is a branch of Xiyang Mountain that stretches from north to south with winding and undulating terrain. The long-established and world-famous Xiyang Tea is a specialty of this mountain range. Beneath the majestic cliffs stands a temple called “Xianyan Temple,” which was founded in the sixth year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1741) and underwent extensive renovation in 1986.

The temple was first built in the winter of 1741 (the Year of Xin You in the Qianlong reign) by the founding monk, Bhikkhu Chunhua, who raised funds through alms. It was renovated several times during the Jiaqing and Tongzhi reigns. In the winter of 1805 (the Year of Yi Chou in the Jiaqing reign), Monk Chongxing raised funds to construct a Wenchang Pavilion to the left of the temple. In the summer of 1986, devotees pooled resources to rebuild the three-section main hall, featuring red pillars and painted beams, giving the temple a refreshed and majestic appearance. The upper part of the rocky cliff above the temple is called “Shangyan” (Upper Cliff), where there is a few-meter-wide open flat area covered with lush, evergreen pine trees and longan trees. At the top of the rocks lies a “Dragon Cave,” with an opening over one meter wide and a depth like a tunnel. Legend has it that this cave once connected to Sanheba in Dabu County. To the left of the temple is a “Rice-Coming-Out Cave,” said to release white rice daily to feed the monks. Later, a monk named Honglin enlarged the cave entrance, hoping for more rice, but the cave stopped producing rice afterward. Now, only white mud can be seen inside the cave — known as “Guanyin Soil” — which can be fermented for winemaking and is considered a marvel.

The temple is a naturally formed stone-roofed cavern as spacious as a hall, housing golden Buddha statues for worship. Artificially crafted landscapes flank the sides. The stone roof features patterns resembling five bats with wings spread as if flying. Spring water trickles down through crevices in the rock, like celestial dew dripping like pearls.

The temple is home to exotic flowers and plants; outside, osmanthus and magnolia trees are planted. Surrounding areas showcase vibrant golden phoenix trees and red maples competing in beauty with evergreens, offering a refreshing and delightful experience for visitors.

Source: Chaozhou Government Website

Raoyang Town: Raoyang Town is located in the northern mountainous region of Raoping County, at 116°87′ east longitude and 24°29′ north latitude, covering an area of 84.7 square kilometers. It borders Xiuzhuan Township of Fujian Province to the east, Jianrao Town to the south, Xinfeng Town and Jiucun Town to the west, and Shangrao Town to the north. The area features continuous mountains stretching from east to west and high-altitude mountains running from north to south. It has a subtropical marine climate with mild seasons, an average annual temperature of 21.7°C, and an average annual rainfall of 1,600 mm. The town has a total population of 59,666, including 59,331 Han people and 335 She people. It administratively governs 25 villages and 1 neighborhood committee… More detailed information about Raoyang Town++