Chaozhou Nanyan Temple

Chaozhou Nanyan Temple

Chaozhou Nanyan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nanyan Temple is located at the western foot of Hulu Mountain in Chaozhou City, facing the West Lake with its shimmering blue waters. On the mountain there is a natural rock cave, with huge boulders jutting out nearby. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, literati and scholars have frequented this place, composing poems and inscribing them on the rocks.

Originally called “Nanyan” and also known as “Xiyan,” in the 22nd year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1594), the local resident Zhang Rishen developed the site, and in the 4th year of the Tianqi era (1624), the local tribute scholar Chen Tingce founded a Buddhist temple. In 1987, the monk Ruoqin (1915–1988) raised substantial funds to rebuild it, naming it “Nanyan Temple,” making it one of the scenic highlights of the ancient city. The ancient cave has experienced periods of decline and revival. Chen Tingce, its founder, is recorded in the Volume 30, Section on People – Recluses, of the Qing Dynasty’s Gazetteer of Chaozhou Prefecture. After 1950, due to extremist left-wing policies, all temple structures were destroyed.

After the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution subsided, Buddhism saw a revival. Starting from 1981, a period of political stability and social harmony, Monk Ruoqin resolved to rescue the ancient cave temple. Through painstaking fundraising efforts and generous contributions from many devotees both in China and abroad, reconstruction finally began in June 1987 and was completed the following year. Facing south and situated to the north, the temple now includes the Mahavira Hall, enshrining the three golden statues of the Buddhas, along with eighteen arhats; two corridors, an ancestral hall, meditation rooms, a rear hall (dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva), and the initial phase of construction featuring the east and west Dragon-Tiger Mountain Gates. Thanks to meticulous design, the temple exudes solemnity and classic elegance, surpassing its former glory and showcasing the refined artistry and grandeur of Chaozhou's ancient architecture. It blends harmoniously with the cliff inscriptions of West Lake, enhancing each other’s beauty and adding splendor to the historic cultural city.