Rongshan Ancient Temple

Rongshan Ancient Temple

Rongshan Ancient Temple is located on Mount Furong, about 2.5 kilometers west of Shaoguan city center. Mount Furong was already well known during the Han Dynasty. Legend has it that a Taoist priest named Kang Rong built a stove here to refine elixirs, which later gave rise to the name “Rongshan Elixir Stove,” one of the Twenty-Four Scenic Spots of Qujiang. A hermitage was later built at the spot where Kang Rong refined the elixirs—this came to be called “Furong Ancient Temple.” In 1985, the municipal government allocated funds to restore the temple to its original appearance. After restoration, Rongshan Ancient Temple covers an area of over 1,200 square meters, with a built-up area of 800 square meters, consisting of a front hall, main hall, rear hall, and eight side chambers on the left and right. Most of the murals inside and outside the ancient temple were repainted following the traces of the originals. The mural content mainly depicts themes related to self-cultivation and alchemy, along with other paintings of flowers, plants, and landscapes.

Rongshan Ancient Temple is situated midway up Mount Furong, close to its summit. Its exact time of establishment and details of renovations throughout the dynasties remain unverifiable. However, according to local chronicles, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty and was later restored through the efforts of Ming Dynasty monks. Additionally, based on the surviving stone stele “Record of the Reconstruction of the True Martial Emperor Hall on Mount Furong” and inscriptions on the murals, it is known that the temple underwent renovations in the 34th year of the Kangxi reign and the 7th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. But in more recent times, due to long-term neglect, it had nearly collapsed.

Mount Furong is also a great spot for enjoying panoramic views. From the mountaintop, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the entire city. Gazing into the distance, the Wu River and the Zhen River flow like two silvery ribbons drifting southward, creating a scene full of poetic charm.