Jinshan Ancestral Temple

Jinshan Ancestral Temple

Jinshan Ancestral Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Jinshan Ancestral Temple is located atop Jin (Tortoise) Mountain in Dawan Town, about 60 kilometers west of the city center. Jin (Tortoise) Mountain sits at the confluence of the Lianjiang and Boluo rivers, and from afar, it resembles a golden tortoise crossing the river—hence its name. Due to its beautiful scenery and being the only

highland within a ten-mile radius, the ancestral temple was first built during the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 400 years. The temple features a layout with front and rear halls, as well as east and west wings. It is built on a solid foundation of massive granite stones, topped with glazed tiles, and adorned with exquisitely carved decorations. The building covers an area of approximately 550 square meters. Directly opposite the temple gate is a screen wall decorated with a bas-relief sculpture of the 108 heroes from the classic novel Water Margin, vividly crafted. In front of the temple lies a naturally formed peculiar rock that resembles a dragon head,

facing the Lianjiang River downhill, exuding an impressive aura. The temple enshrines the water deity Beidi. It is said that the third day of the third lunar month is Beidi’s birthday, and on this day, the temple

attracts particularly heavy incense offerings. The people of Dawan Town also regard this day as a major festival, slaughtering chickens to offer as sacrifices to the deity. When boats pass by the temple along the river, boatmen will also set up

incense, candles, cooked chicken, scatter paper money, and set off firecrackers to pray for safety, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere both in the town and on the river.

Midway up Jinshan Mountain lies the "Wenying Academy," the only remaining one of the five ancient academies of Yingde. Nestled against the mountain, it has a rigorous layout

and covers a construction area of 880 square meters, making it a worthwhile visit.

The town of Dawan, where the Jinshan Ancestral Temple is located, also holds a traditional event called "Cannon-Firing at the Fire Qilin" during the annual Lantern Festival. Brave individuals parade the “Fire Qilin” through the streets, and households light firecrackers and toss them at the “Fire Qilin” to drive away evil and welcome good fortune.

At this time, the entire town echoes with the sounds of firecrackers, shrouded in smoke, creating a festive atmosphere.