Xuanshan Temple on Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanshan Temple on Xuanwu Mountain

Xuanshan Temple on Xuanwu Mountain is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Xuanshan Temple is located at the foot of Xuanwu Mountain in Jieshi Town, covering an area of 15 hectares. With picturesque scenery and a rich collection of cultural relics, it serves as a center of faith for the Hokkien-speaking communities both in China and overseas. The temple is a long-renowned ancient Buddhist site and currently houses the Lufeng County Buddhist Association.

The temple was first built in the first year of the Jianyan era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127), rebuilt as Xuanwu Temple in the 27th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, and expanded into Xuanshan Temple in the 5th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. After several renovations during the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, it has now reached a considerable scale. Xuanshan Temple is majestic in presence and extraordinary in architecture. Built along the mountain slope, it forms a symmetrical courtyard-style palace complex. The three main halls are connected via multiple tiers of steps leading directly to the main hall. The temple’s layout is exquisitely designed, with shaded winding paths extending in all directions. It includes 99 structures such as the mountain gate, front hall, middle hall, side halls, reception halls, monks’ quarters, and corridors. Its overall architectural style blends religious, palace, residential, and garden elements, showcasing distinct local characteristics. The structure is rigorously built, featuring layered brackets, high ridges with flying eaves, carved beams and painted rafters, and traditional porcelain decorations, fully demonstrating the wisdom and superb architectural skills of the Chinese people. The temple interior is resplendent; the main gate is adorned with intricately carved dragons and phoenixes, featuring exquisite ornamentation; two majestic stone lions flank the entrance, appearing as vigilant guardians protecting Xuanshan Temple day and night.

Upon entering the temple gate, visitors can see a display of numerous precious historical relics, including: a bronze statue of the “Polar True Martial” from the Song Dynasty, a wooden sculpture of “Sakyamuni” and an incense burner from the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty, as well as an inscribed plaque bestowed by Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty reading “Majestic Authority over the Mountains and Seas,” and another plaque gifted by national hero Lin Zexu of the Qing Dynasty inscribed “Enduring Virtue of Water,” plus three plaques inscribed by Black Flag Army leader Liu Yongfu, collectively forming the “Three Renowned Cultural Plaques of China.” Xuanshan Temple is one of the largest and most well-preserved religious temples in eastern Guangdong, and is a Guangdong Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a Key Scenic Area.

Address: Xuanwu Mountain, Jieshi Town, Lufeng City, Shanwei, Guangdong Province

Type: Mountain / Historic Site / Temple / Taoist Shrine

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0660-8691952

Official Website: http://www.xwslyq.com

Opening Hours:

8:30-17:00

Jieshi Town: Jieshi Town has a long history and has long been a key coastal defense stronghold. Since the Song Dynasty, fortifications have been established here to protect the borders. In the 22nd year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1389), Jieshi Wei was established as one of the 36 wei (military districts) nationwide, ranking alongside the famous Tianjin Wei and Shenyang Wei. Hence its name derived from the local coastal landform. It is one of the three major towns in Lufeng City. Located in the southern part of Lufeng City, Jieshi Town faces Jieshi Bay to the east and is across the water from Jinxia Town. The town covers a total area of 120 square kilometers, with a coastline of 40.3 kilometers, and a total population of over 170,000. It governs 41 village (residential) committees. In 2000, the town’s GDP was 8... For more detailed information about Jieshi Town++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units