Chongming Temple

Chongming Temple

Chongming Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Chongming Temple (Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Era: Northern Song to Ming Dynasties

Address: 15 km south of Gaoping City, at the eastern foot of Shengfo Mountain

Commonly known as Langgu Temple. It was first built in the fourth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (971 AD), expanded during the Yuan Dynasty, and renovated in the nineteenth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1591 AD) and the sixth year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1826 AD). The surviving Middle Hall is a structure remaining from the Song Dynasty, while the rest were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The temple faces south and consists of two courtyards. The existing structures include the mountain gate, bell and drum towers, Middle Buddha Hall, Rear Buddha Hall, and east and west side halls.

The Rear Buddha Hall was built in the Yuan Dynasty and renovated in the Ming Dynasty. It is five bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eave hanging hip roof covered with tubular and flat tiles. The east and west side halls were built in the Yuan Dynasty and converted to flush-gable roofs during the Qing Dynasty.

The Middle Buddha Hall is three bays wide and six rafters deep. It has a single-eave gable and hip roof covered with tubular and flat tiles. The wall-pillars of the hall are built into the walls, and there are no architraves above the column capitals. The front eaves of the main hall have doors in the central bay and lattice windows in the side bays. The bracket sets under the eaves are densely arranged, forming a distinctive multi-tiered system. The first bracket arm is particularly prominent. The bracket sets on the second level are closely spaced, with the arches and arms nearly touching. The corner bracket sets extend out at a 45-degree angle, with additional ones placed on the front and rear extensions, all featuring unique designs. The interior bracket sets are elaborately crafted, with intricate interlocking patterns and varying sizes that create a dynamic visual rhythm. The bracket arms extend outward dynamically, and the weight is cleverly balanced through interlocking elements and layered supports. The roof eaves curve elegantly, demonstrating refined craftsmanship and embodying the architectural style of the Song and Yuan periods. The overall structure is exquisitely proportioned and rich in historical and artistic value. Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units