Ancient Dashi Nunnery

Ancient Dashi Nunnery

Ancient Dashi Nunnery is a cultural heritage site protected by Chaozhou City.

Situated in the Fucang (formerly known as "Yongfeng Granary") at the center of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, Ancient Dashi Nunnery is well known for its tall and elegant statue of Guanyin. With the central peak of Bijia Mountain serving as a picturesque backdrop, it is one of Chaozhou’s famous temples. In 1990 and 1999, funded by the abbess Venerable Shi Mingguang, the Ci’en Pavilion, Scripture Depository, and Five Contemplations Hall were successively reconstructed and completed, bringing renewed splendor to this ancient temple.

The nunnery was initiated during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) by the eminent monk Hong Juefan. From the first year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1662) to the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893), it was renovated multiple times through the sponsorship of several prefectural officials including Liu Xian, Liu Guinian, and Magistrate Yang. Covering an area of over a thousand square meters, it preserves seven stone tablets from the Qing Dynasty, including the “Reconstruction of Incense Offering Stele” from the 36th year of Qianlong (1771), as well as centuries-old Phoenix Bamboo (commonly known as “Iron Tree”). In the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign, Guiyou (1873), Liu Guinian, then acting Prefect of Chaozhou, inscribed the nunnery’s entrance plaque (which still exists today). The renovation in the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893) was on a larger scale, and the surviving inscriptions are still clear. The Buddha hall was gilded, the Buddha pedestal was reconstructed, wooden stairs were replaced with stone steps, and a worship pavilion was added. A grand entrance gate was also built, adding even more majesty to the site. Even the beams, tiles, bricks, corridors, railings, walls, and drainage systems were comprehensively restored.

After 1950, due to its state of disuse, the local government repurposed it as a school. After 1980, the former abbess Venerable Shi Cihui made extensive efforts to reclaim the property and plan for its reconstruction. With the attention and approval of the municipal government, in April 1988, the temple properties were returned to monastic management. After more than two years of hard work, on November 1, 1990, the completion ceremony of the reconstructed Ci’en Pavilion and the Buddha statue consecration ceremony were held. The ancient nunnery took on a brand-new look, resplendent and magnificent. A huge incense burner was placed in the courtyard, with fragrant smoke curling upwards. The main structure, designed by the city’s ancient architecture company, is a four-story, four-tiered high pavilion reaching 18 meters in height, with an open interior. Spiral staircases and railings on each floor lead directly to the top of the pavilion, and two connecting corridors link the mountain gate, making it appear even more spacious and majestic than before. The building covers a construction area of over 800 square meters.

On December 19, 1999 (the 12th day of the 11th lunar month), another grand ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the Scripture Depository and the consecration of the Jade Buddha statue. The three-story Scripture Depository has a total construction area of over 800 square meters. Both it and the Ci’en Pavilion are elegant and solemn, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship that complements each other, further enhancing the grandeur and beauty of this ancient temple.

The nunnery has been completely revitalized. With a total floor area of approximately 2,000 square meters, Dashi Nunnery radiates the light of compassion, with wisdom lamps hanging high, the Dharma drum sounding continuously, and its serene teachings echoing far and wide. Nestled within the hustle and bustle, it offers tranquility and adds another treasured landmark to the millennia-old city of Chaozhou.