Longjiang Ancient Temple in Lufeng

Longjiang Ancient Temple in Lufeng

Longjiang Ancient Temple in Lufeng is located in the northern suburbs of Bomei Town, built at the foot of a mountain and approximately 600 meters from the Guangzhou-Shantou Highway. The temple faces south and is nestled against the rolling Banwan River, which adds to its picturesque charm.

Longjiang Ancient Temple has a long and rich history. It was originally built in February 1002 AD during the Chongning era of the Northern Song Dynasty as a Guanyin Nunnery, later known as Longjiang Monastery. Since then, the mountain became known as “Buddha Mountain” due to the presence of the Goddess of Mercy. As Longjiang Monastery was situated along a key water and land transportation route in Guangdong and Fujian, with convenient overland access to the capital and frequent boat traffic at its docks, the area thrived with bustling markets and resident communities. It is said that in ancient times, high-ranking officials, nobles, merchants, and dignitaries passing by the temple would all enter the nunnery to worship, burn incense, and pay homage, keeping the incense burning year-round.

On the fourth day of the fifth lunar month in the 17th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (May 4, 1752 AD), Longjiang Monastery was burned down by the Qing government. The monks of the temple leapt into the river to escape persecution and perished, and the riverbank east of the temple has since been known as Monks’ Pool. After the destruction of Longjiang Monastery, local devotees continued to worship the Goddess of Mercy at the ruins, and the incense offering tradition never ceased.

On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (September 9, 1906 AD), Hong Shi from Dianxia Village (later respectfully called “Hong Cai Gu”), initiated the reconstruction of Longjiang Monastery, which became a sister monastery with Hukou Nunnery in Lufeng. On June 1, 1918, during the first year of the Republic of China (Year of Wuwu), Yu Chuanlu, carrying on Hong Shi’s legacy along with Wu Chuangxi and Wu Chuanshou, traveled three times to Southeast Asia. Together with overseas Chinese such as Lin Wumei, Yang Hanzhong, Zhuang Huizhen, and Sun Chuanming, they expanded the site into a complete Buddhist hall—Longjiang Ancient Temple in Lufeng. During the Republican era, Nationalist General Luo Fengxiang personally inscribed the four large characters “Longjiang Ancient Temple” on the stone plaque of the main gate, and this name has been retained to this day.

Longjiang Ancient Temple is not only a sacred Buddhist site but also a historical revolutionary landmark. During the great revolutionary period of Haifeng-Lufeng and the Liberation War, it served as a base for underground Communist activities. Here, the Peasant Movement Red Guards and the Southeast New Democratic Youth Association were established, along with the Southeast 4 Intelligence Liaison Station of Lufeng. The temple made indelible contributions to supporting the revolution and sheltering underground Party activities.

During the Cultural Revolution, the ancient relics of the temple suffered severe damage. However, with the winds of reform and opening-up, the time-worn temple was revitalized. In 1984, a group of retired officials dedicated to public welfare (including some who had survived revolutionary activities here) formed the “Longjiang Ancient Temple Council.” In 1998, the council was renamed the “Longjiang Ancient Temple Historical Site Council.” On March 3, 2000, it was officially approved by the civil affairs department of Lufeng City and established as the “Longjiang Ancient Temple Historical Site Research Association.” In 2003, Longjiang Ancient Temple was approved by the Lufeng religious affairs authorities as a site for religious activities.

Over the past decade, through the tireless efforts of Lin Muzhong, the first president of the Historical Site Research Association, and other council members, as well as the generous support of many philanthropic individuals, the thousand-year-old temple has been revived and restored to a brand-new appearance. The newly built Hall of Heavenly Kings and Mahavira Hall replicate the architectural style of the Northern Song Dynasty, featuring an elegant and majestic design.

Longjiang Ancient Temple in Lufeng is not only a sacred Buddhist destination for sightseeing but also a base for patriotic education.

Bomei Town: Bomei Town is located in the eastern part of Lufeng City, bordering Neihu Town to the east, Chengdong Town to the west, Qiaochong Town across the Wukan Port to the south, and facing Biyang and Bawan Towns to the north. The town covers a total area of 66 square kilometers with a population of 67,000, and governs 12 village (residential) committees. It is one of the main grain-producing areas in Lufeng City. Bomei Town enjoys a superior geographical location and highly convenient transportation. The Guangzhou-Shantou Highway and the Shenzhen-Shantou Expressway run east-west across the town, while the Jieshi-Bomei-Hekou Highway extends north-south. The town is just over 14 kilometers from downtown Lufeng and about 30 kilometers from Jiazi Port and Jieshi Port. … Bomei Town Detailed Information++