Longmu Temple in Shangmeilin

Longmu Temple in Shangmeilin

Location: Shangmeilin Village, Futian District, Shenzhen

Year: Ming Dynasty

Description: Longmu Temple is one of the oldest existing ancient buildings in Shenzhen. Worshipped as an embodiment of compassion, kindness, and strength in the Pearl River Basin, the Dragon Mother receives solitary reverence in the bustling city of Shenzhen. This temple, covering an area of over 100 square meters, is only slightly more than 7 meters wide and 16 meters deep. It appears small among the densely built structures of Shangmeilin Village, but it is definitely the oldest building in the area. Built during the Ming Dynasty and renovated during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the current architectural style of the exterior reflects the Qing Dynasty, while the interior stone structures and layout still maintain the Ming Dynasty style. The load-bearing pillars and some of the horizontal beams are made of granite, their light gray color showing signs of age. Upon entering Longmu Temple, there is first a screen-like door. Passing through it, you’ll see the words “Dragon Light Shines Everywhere” written in the center. Amid swirling incense, the shrine enshrines three statues: in the middle is the kind-faced Dragon Mother, to her left is the Dragon Mother’s elder sister-in-law, and to her right is the Dragon Prince.

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the area now known as Guangdong and Guangxi belonged to the Baiyue tribes. The Dragon Mother, originally named Wen Fengjiao, was the female leader of the Baiyue people. Legend has it that she found a giant egg by the Xijiang River, brought it home, and hatched five little dragons. When the five dragons grew up, they worked with the Dragon Mother to control floods and bring benefits to the people. As a goddess in folk belief, the Dragon Mother shares similarities with Mazu, who is worshipped along the Fujian and Guangdong coasts. Since Chinese emperors throughout history have claimed to be the “True Dragon Sons of Heaven,” successive dynasties often conferred titles and honors upon the Dragon Mother. Worship and belief in the Dragon Mother have become a folk custom, influencing areas across the Pearl River Basin, Hong Kong, Macau, and overseas Chinese communities.

Protected Area: 10 meters outward from the outer wall of the building

Controlled Area: 30 meters outward from the protected area

Construction Protection Level: District-level Cultural Relics Protection Unit

Responsible Entity: Meilin Subdistrict, Futian District

Meilin Subdistrict: Contact Information of Meilin Subdistrict Office

Office Address: No. 124 Meihua Road (west side of Meilin Squadron, Futian Fire Brigade)

Postal Code: 518049

Phone: 83115139 83113419 (fax)

E-mail: mlb@szft.gov.cn

Office Hours: 9:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00 (excluding holidays)

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