Lianshe Nunnery in Nanxiong

Lianshe Nunnery in Nanxiong

Lianshe Nunnery in Nanxiong City

Lianshe Nunnery in Shuinan is located in the eastern part of the city, about 1.5 kilometers from the new urban area. The nunnery is built on high ground overlooking hundreds of acres of fertile farmland in Shuinan, facing west with its back to the east. Its foundation walls are constructed from red sandstone, and the structure is made of brick and wood. Situated near the Zhen River, it offers expansive views, lush forests, verdant bamboo, beautiful scenery, and fresh air.

According to the Baichang County Annals compiled by Zhang Jinxiang in 1686 (the 25th year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty), “Lianshe Nunnery is located in Shuinan Village and houses the preserved body of Monk Zhiyi.” Elders recall that the main hall of the nunnery remained intact until the 1960s, and its main gate and side rooms still exist today. Historical records state that among the seven temples, nunneries, and shrines built in Shuinan Village—namely Lianshe Nunnery, Qinglian Nunnery, Xinglong Nunnery, Dushan Temple, Yuxu Palace, Dawang Temple, and Niangniang Temple—Lianshe Nunnery was the most prominent. It has a long history, with majestic and splendid halls surrounded by towering ancient trees. The halls of Lianshe Nunnery house statues of deities such as Amitabha Buddha, the Eighteen Arhats, the Four Heavenly Kings, and Monk Zhisheng Buddha, all with distinct expressions and lifelike features, representing exquisite examples of clay sculpture craftsmanship. In the past, many devout worshippers from the city and surrounding rural areas came here to pray, filling the nunnery with incense and vibrant religious activity. The nunnery was later destroyed.

Currently, Buddhist figures in Nanxiong are preparing to rebuild Lianshe Nunnery on its original site.