Nánjiāng Tónglíng Temple

Nánjiāng Tónglíng Temple

Nánjiāng Tónglíng Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Tónglíng Temple is located on the mountainside of Yuánbāo Liáng at Shíguāng Village, Níanpán Township, three kilometers southeast of Nánjiāng County. It can be reached by traveling uphill from Dàoxiàngdiàn in the southern part of the county for over two hours.

Legend has it that the temple was first built in the 14th year of the Tianbao era during the Tang Dynasty, making it over 1,200 years old. At that time, the local people planned to build a temple, had gathered all the necessary materials, and were set to begin construction the next day when these materials suddenly flew to a spot several miles away — the site where the temple stands today — and thus it was initially called Feixian Guan (Flying Immortals Temple). When the main hall of the temple was nearly completed, the copper bell suddenly rang loudly, and so it was renamed Tónglíng Temple (Copper Bell Temple).

Tónglíng Temple Stele Inscriptions

The temple houses 48 stone-carved Buddhist statues from the Tang and Song dynasties, including depictions of the founders of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. These are precious cultural relics shared by the communities around the county town. They were once stolen but later recovered.

Tónglíng Temple Murals

For mountain lovers, there are layered peaks embracing Gōng Mountain; for water enthusiasts, there are mountain spring wells that neither overflow nor run dry; for sightseers, the temple sits against a cliff with a mountain at its back, surrounded by towering pines, cypresses, and oak forests. Spring flowers and summer waterfalls offer endless views, while autumn cicadas and winter snowscapes provide endless delight.

A poem praises it:

Lush trees, fields, and ancient temple by the village, Breezes and moonlight drift into the Zen grove; Millennia-old relics shine with unique splendor, The Party’s policies win the hearts of the people.