Lingdu Temple

Lingdu Temple

Lingdu Temple is the earliest temple in Hong Kong and the birthplace of Buddhism in the region. It is located on the western side of Xiacun in Yuen Long, Hong Kong. Established in the late Eastern Jin Dynasty, it is said to have been named after the Chan master Huaidu, who resided here during the Liang Dynasty. Lingdu Temple is one of the three historically documented ancient temples in Hong Kong, situated in the valley of Lingdu Mountain in Xiacun, Yuen Long, New Territories. This mountain is also known as Datoubiechu, resembling the head of a tiger, with a uniquely imposing terrain.

It is said that Lingdu Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, but some believe it dates back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties. According to the "Guangdong Archaeological Collection - Buddhist and Taoist Chapter" and the "Bao'an County Annals - Biographies," in the early Yuanxi era of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (424–430 AD), the monk Bai Du crossed the sea in a cup, residing first on Cup Ferry Mountain in Tuen Mun (today's Castle Peak), before later moving to Loudu Mountain a few miles away to establish Lingdu Temple. The original site was slightly higher than the current location. The temple underwent multiple renovations and reconstructions during the Song and Ming Dynasties. Historical records indicate that during the 20th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1840), the temple was relocated slightly downhill to its present site. It was rebuilt again in the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign (1861) and restored once more in 1928. The current structure dates back to 1970 when villagers from Xiacun township raised funds for major renovations. At that time, Master Shengyi was invited to perform the blessing ceremony, and Mr. Ling Dingtang, the Director of the New Territories District Office, officiated at the ribbon-cutting, marking a grand occasion.

Due to the tiger-like shape of the surrounding mountains, and with the temple located at the position of the tiger’s head—considered a spot of concentrated spiritual energy—the main gate was moved to the left side of the Mahavira Hall during the major renovation in 1970. The original facing frame of the Mahavira Hall can still be faintly seen on the now-sealed wall. The Mahavira Hall now houses golden Buddha statues, which villagers enshrine with incense and fruit offerings. On either side are meditation rooms and guest rooms, with an open-air decorative flower lattice in between. At the front is the Skanda Hall, to the left is the Guan Di Hall enshrining Guan Yu, and to the right is the Chunyang Hall enshrining Lü Dongbin, indicating that the temple was once a Daoist site. Though compact in size, the temple is fully equipped with facilities. Entering through the main gate and passing through a series of circular arched gateways, visitors are embraced by a serene, rustic, and pure atmosphere, with an imposing overall presence.

Given its long history, Lingdu Temple displays many inscribed couplets of significant historical and cultural value. The main gate couplet is carved in marble with golden characters: “Where spiritual energy gathers, this mountain stands alone in splendor; the cup that ferried the monk has left its mark still fresh.” This reflects the temple’s connection to Cup Ferry Temple (now Castle Peak Temple). Above the second gateway archway hangs a plaque inscribed with “The Path Begins Here,” written by Liang Yaoshu, the top imperial scholar of the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, many notable couplets can be found at the entrances to various halls. On the right side wall of the main hall, there is a stone engraving titled “Fragmentary Accounts of My Father Rong’s Remarkable Deeds” by Deng Huilin, a local villager from the third year of the Guangxu reign. It praises the exceptional efficacy of the deities enshrined here, who are believed to have healed his father Rong and extended his lifespan, demonstrating their boundless compassion.

Since the 1950s, Lingdu Temple has been under the leadership of Master Guopu for over forty years. He passed away in 1994. Currently, the temple is maintained by administrators appointed by the villagers, who tend to daily worship and offerings. Many visitors during holidays also pre-book vegetarian lunch sets. On the hillside behind the temple, one can see century-old pines and groves of bamboo, with streams flowing down both sides toward the temple. The open spaces in front of and behind the temple also feature vegetable plots. It is said that a spring once emerged from the stream beside the temple, formerly known as Cup Ferry Well, but it has since been buried by sand and stones over the years and is no longer visible, though water still seeps through. The temple uses this spring water for cooking and brewing tea, which boasts a fragrant and refreshing taste. Aside from worshiping and enjoying vegetarian meals, visitors often take time to sip the crisp, fragrant tea from the clear stream, finding solace and relief from worldly worries.

Transportation Guide

Location: On Taidou Mountain of Lingdu Mountain, west of Xiacun, Yuen Long District, Hong Kong.

Transportation: Take KMB Bus 53 or Kowloon Motor Bus routes K75P or K75, alight at Sun Hei Tsuen, and walk to the temple.