Shanfu Temple

Shanfu Temple

Shanfu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shanfu Temple

Located at the First Mountain in Liangpian Township, Shangrao Town, Raoping County, Shanfu Temple was first built in 1598 during the Ming Dynasty's 26th year of the Wanli reign. It was completely rebuilt from December 1998 to December 2000. The temple is set against a majestic mountain backdrop, offering expansive views and a picturesque panorama of surrounding peaks that captivate visitors.

The ancient temple has gone through many trials. In 1958, during the “communalization” campaign, monks were driven away. Then in 1969, during the Cultural Revolution, the temple was demolished, leaving only the foundation walls, standing desolate amid barren hills and broken structures. In 1998, after the “-” period, the reconstruction was initiated under the leadership of Zhang Huijin, Zhang Yongbi, and Zhang Mingxian. Fundraising efforts began that year, construction started in December, and the project was completed by December 2000.

The temple faces east and sits to the west, covering a total floor area of 500 square meters. It consists of two courtyards and two side halls, including the Heavenly King Hall and the Mahavira Hall. Between these two main halls, there are side shrines dedicated to Guanyin and Kṣitigarbha on either side of the courtyard. The three main Buddha statues (Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha) enshrined in the Mahavira Hall are made using the “deshā” (clay sculpture with paper mache core) technique, and they are flanked by eighteen arhat statues.

The temple is situated on a spacious flatland in the mountains, with Xiyán Bǐjià Fēng (Western Cliff Writing Desk Peak) behind it. It is flanked by continuous mountain slopes on both sides. Nearby in front of the temple is a mountain stream, while in the distance lies the great Damading Mountain, stretching and undulating for approximately 20 kilometers. These features give the sacred site exceptional feng shui and a grand, open environment that inspires a sense of openness and serenity.

Source: Chaozhou Government Website

Shangrao Town: Shangrao Town is located in the northern part of Raoping County. The town is surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and north. It borders Fujian Province to the east, Dabu County of the same province to the west, Raoyang Town of the same county to the south, and Shangshan Town to the north. The town covers an area of 52.67 square kilometers, with over 40,000 mu of mountainous land and 10,670 mu of cultivated land. The total population is 41,865, and it administers 13 village committees as well as two residential committees: Maoshi and Bashang. Major grain crops include rice, wheat, dryland crops, and sweet potatoes, while cash crops consist of tea, lychee, longan, plum, olive, and honey pomelo. The town has four small and medium-sized hydropower stations... More detailed information about Shangrao Town ++