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Shiyao Temple Scenic Area

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The Shiyao Temple Scenic Area is located on the mountainside of Nanfeng Mountain, 2.5 kilometers southwest of Longde County. Nanfeng Mountain resembles a phoenix spreading its wings in the wind, hence its name, and is also known as Longfeng Mountain. Its mountain range extends directly to the Long Mountains, and an ancient Han Dynasty beacon tower still stands at the summit. At the foot of the mountain lies the ChuiSheng (Flute-Playing) Platform. Shiyao Temple was carved around the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. Built against sheer cliffs, the temple complex includes three grottoes: the Mahavira Hall, the Wuliang Hall, and the Da Shi (Goddess of Mercy) Hall. The entrance of the Mahavira Hall is inscribed with the four characters “磨日宕霄” (meaning roughly “Grinding Sun, Leaping Sky”). To the left and right are two smaller grottoes—the Wenchang Palace and the Zisun Palace—carved in the late Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that Guangchengzi first resided at Shiyao Temple before moving to Kongtong. Before he left, he split the mountain with his palm and inscribed words on the wall: “I cultivated here; others need not meditate. To attain enlightenment, go and learn from Kongtong Mountain.” Hence the saying: “Shiyao Temple came before Kongtong Mountain.” On the northern slope of the scenic area lies Zhulin Temple, said to be named for its effective rain prayers. Located 1.5 kilometers west of the county town, the temple covers a construction area of 300 square meters and enshrines the Golden Tomb Holy Mother and the Black Water Dragon King. It once had a music pavilion and viewing stands, both destroyed in an earthquake. Zhulin Temple features towering verdant cliffs and weeping willows. Spring is pleasant with breezes, summer with rain, autumn with moonlight, and winter with snow—the seasonal scenery is exceptionally beautiful. “Zhulin’s Fine Drizzle” is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Longde. A poet of old wrote: “Sparse, rippling sounds drift with light rain; the temple fades into Zhuling under the evening breeze. Clouds drift low over quiet monastic walls, wildflowers blaze crimson and green.”

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The Shiyao Temple Scenic Area is located on the mountainside of Nanfeng Mountain, 2.5 kilometers southwest of Longde County. Nanfeng Mountain resembles a phoenix spreading its wings in the wind, hence its name, and is also known as Longfeng Mountain. Its mountain range extends directly to the Long Mountains, and an ancient Han Dynasty beacon tower still stands at the summit. At the foot of the mountain lies the ChuiSheng (Flute-Playing) Platform. Shiyao Temple was carved around the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. Built against sheer cliffs, the temple complex includes three grottoes: the Mahavira Hall, the Wuliang Hall, and the Da Shi (Goddess of Mercy) Hall. The entrance of the Mahavira Hall is inscribed with the four characters “磨日宕霄” (meaning roughly “Grinding Sun, Leaping Sky”). To the left and right are two smaller grottoes—the Wenchang Palace and the Zisun Palace—carved in the late Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that Guangchengzi first resided at Shiyao Temple before moving to Kongtong. Before he left, he split the mountain with his palm and inscribed words on the wall: “I cultivated here; others need not meditate. To attain enlightenment, go and learn from Kongtong Mountain.” Hence the saying: “Shiyao Temple came before Kongtong Mountain.” On the northern slope of the scenic area lies Zhulin Temple, said to be named for its effective rain prayers. Located 1.5 kilometers west of the county town, the temple covers a construction area of 300 square meters and enshrines the Golden Tomb Holy Mother and the Black Water Dragon King. It once had a music pavilion and viewing stands, both destroyed in an earthquake. Zhulin Temple features towering verdant cliffs and weeping willows. Spring is pleasant with breezes, summer with rain, autumn with moonlight, and winter with snow—the seasonal scenery is exceptionally beautiful. “Zhulin’s Fine Drizzle” is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Longde. A poet of old wrote: “Sparse, rippling sounds drift with light rain; the temple fades into Zhuling under the evening breeze. Clouds drift low over quiet monastic walls, wildflowers blaze crimson and green.”