Longtian Sacred Temple

Longtian Sacred Temple

The Longtian Sacred Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Longtian Sacred Temple was built to enshrine Guan Yu, a great general of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. It has become a major part of traditional Chinese culture, closely intertwined with people’s lives, and is revered alongside Confucius, the “Sage of Literature,” as the “Martial Sage” Guan Gong. A Guan Di temple showcases the local folklore and customs of that region; a statue of Guan Gong serves as a moral role model and spiritual anchor for millions; an ancient bluestone stele tells a moving tale of loyalty and righteousness.

Longtian Sacred Temples have been built in jurisdictions at the township level and above. Initially, they were constructed in areas with historical connections to Guan Yu’s deeds, but nowadays there are no geographical restrictions. It’s like inviting a statue of Guan Yu into one’s ancestral hall and paying homage on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month—allowing people to pray for good fortune without leaving home. This reflects the Chinese emphasis on ritual without being bound by rigid forms, and also helps explain why Longtian Sacred Temples can be found everywhere in various forms. To truly understand the local culture, visiting a Longtian Sacred Temple is an essential experience.

The Longtian Sacred Temple is located in the northeast of the Wetland Park. It was first built in the mid-Qing Dynasty and has a history of over 200 years. The main hall has two levels: the upper level enshrines Guan Gong, while the lower level is dedicated to the Dragon King. There are five rooms on each side of the auxiliary halls. The layout is compact and the structure is intact, adjacent to the Tian Family Courtyard.

After enduring centuries of vicissitudes, the Longtian Sacred Temple had become ruins. In today’s era of “revitalizing the nation through science and education and governing the country by virtue,” to better protect, develop, and utilize historical and cultural heritage and promote tourism, in early July 2014, the municipal Party committee and government initiated the restoration and partial reconstruction of the Longtian Sacred Temple. Today, it has become an important tourist attraction within the Wetland Park.

Source: Xiaohé National Wetland Park