Longdongyan Clay Sculptures

Longdongyan Clay Sculptures Longdongyan is located in Gaobizhai, Longdong Village, Houjia Township. In the early Qing Dynasty, a temple was built here, featuring grand and majestic halls adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. The central hall enshrines statues of deities such as the Tathagata (Buddha) and Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy). The Tathagata sits in the center, with a seated statue reaching up to 4 meters in height. Guanyin stands on the left holding a vase of holy water, while the God of Wealth stands on the right cradling gold and silver. With ruddy complexions and brightly colored garments, each figure is exquisitely lifelike. The left hall is dedicated to the Oath of the Peach Garden. Liu Bei stands upright in the center, gazing straight ahead with piercing eyes. Guan Yu stands on the left, holding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his right hand and stroking his splendid beard with his left, his face ruddy and posture dignified. Zhang Fei stands on the right, gripping his 1.8-zhang-long spear (approximately 5.9 meters), with round eyes and a tiger-like beard, exuding the aura of an imminent march to battle. The right hall enshrines a Thousand Buddhas. The back wall features clay sculptures set against a backdrop of steep cliffs, with one thousand Buddha statues, each 15 centimeters tall, neatly arranged along the cliff face—this is known as the Thousand Buddha Cliff. The expressions and postures of the Buddha figures are diverse and dynamic, their garments vibrant with a myriad of colors, making this a true masterpiece of clay sculpture artistry. In front of the main hall, on the rocky steps, there is a sculpture of the Laughing Maitreya Buddha, bare-chested and smiling warmly, welcoming worshippers from all directions. These sculptures hold significant artistic value and also reflect the clay sculpture craftsmanship and local customs and culture of Houjia Township.