Mashong Nianhua Temple

Mashong Nianhua Temple

Mashong Nianhua Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nianhua Temple is located within the Huayang Lake Wetland Park. The name of the temple originates from the story “When the Buddha held up a flower on Vulture Peak and smiled,” at which moment everyone remained silent, except Mahakasyapa, who broke into a smile, understanding the Buddha’s meaning.

Historical records state that the ancient temple was first built in the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368) and has a history of over 640 years. It was originally located by the Mayuan River, hence it was named Mayuan Temple. In 1645, a local gentry member from Mashong, Xiao Liyou, funded the expansion of Mayuan Temple. To facilitate worshippers coming to burn incense and pay homage to the Buddha, he built a wooden bridge in front of the temple. This bridge was exquisitely carved with dragons and phoenixes and was named Flower Bridge due to its fine craftsmanship. The ancient temple and the Flower Bridge complemented each other beautifully—morning mist lingered around the bridge as if it floated in the clouds, resembling a heavenly bridge. At sunset, the bridge glowed under the setting sun, appearing like a rainbow, creating a picturesque scene unique to the water town. This became one of the renowned "Eight Scenic Spots of Mashong" celebrated by poets and artists.

The Flower Bridge and temple held a deeply cherished place in people’s hearts. Legend has it that Xiao Yifu, Mashong’s most famous historical figure—a civil official who also served in military roles and contributed greatly to the Ming Dynasty—visited the temple to pray and later that same year successfully passed the imperial examination to become a Jinshi (high-ranking scholar). As a result, worshippers from all over Guangdong Province, especially those from the surrounding areas of Mashong and the water towns, held the temple in even higher esteem. Devotees flocked from near and far to burn incense, pray for peace, prosperity, and the temple enjoyed a period of flourishing popularity.

Life arises and ceases; where there is birth, there is death; where there is prosperity, there is decline. Due to historical reasons, both the temple and the Flower Bridge were destroyed and collapsed in 1995. Time passes silently but leaves the past far behind, while ancient paths retain their charm and beauty. This long-dormant sacred land, under the leadership of the Party and government, and in this harmonious and prosperous society, saw the spiritual consciousness of the people rekindle their memories of this hallowed place—they had not forgotten it.

With the care of the government and the calls of the devotees, amidst this wave of patriotism and religious devotion, Shi Zhi Liaokong arrived in the spring of 2015 at the picturesque and flowery banks of Huayang Lake. It was a reunion with a long-awaited longing, a heartfelt and spiritual homecoming. I immediately made a vow to restore the ancient temple and fulfill the wishes of all sentient beings.

The Flower Bridge no longer exists, nor does the ancient temple. But the deep-rooted emotional connection to the Flower Bridge Temple led some to propose restoring its original name. However, they felt it sounded too mundane. Eventually, inspired by the drifting flowers, Huayang Lake, the Flower Bridge, and the joy of blooming flowers—all themes revolving around the word “flower”—the name “Nianhua Temple” was chosen after discussions between the village committee and town government leaders.

Nianhua Temple — derived from the story “When the Buddha held up a flower on Vulture Peak and smiled,” at which moment everyone remained silent, except Mahakasyapa, who broke into a smile, understanding the Buddha’s meaning. This smile “represents the profound and subtle wisdom of Zen, where truth is transmitted from mind to mind.” It symbolizes mutual understanding, resonance, and the enlightened wisdom of the Dharma. It also expresses the hope that flowers will bloom in the lotus pond and fruits ripen in every household. May everyone find a place for spiritual cultivation and ultimately attain enlightenment.

Huayang Village: Huayang Village is located in the northwest of Machong Town, Dongguan City, about 6 kilometers from the Machong exit of the Guanshen Expressway, and faces the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone and Zengcheng City across the river. The village features an intricate network of rivers and is conveniently accessible by both land and water. It enjoys a subtropical climate with fertile land, producing bananas abundantly. The village covers a total area of 5.48 square kilometers, comprising three villager groups with a population of over 7,000, including 5,183 registered residents and more than 2,000 migrants.

Before the reform and opening-up, the three main crops—rice, bananas, and sugarcane—were the economic lifelines of Huayang Village. With the development of banana test-tube seedlings... More details about Huayang Village ++