Little Penglai Immortal Temple

Little Penglai Immortal Temple

Little Penglai Immortal Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangzhou City.

Little Penglai Immortal Temple is located in Shangshi Xinlongsha East on Huadi Street. Built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was reconstructed in the sixth year of the Xianfeng era (1856). The three-courtyard structure is made of polished blue bricks, facing south with its back to the north. It features a main hall, quiet chambers, and a small garden behind the hall. With winding paths, serene scenery, pavilions, and rockeries, the temple boasts picturesque views. During the Guangxu era, the temple was renamed “Seven Lords’ Shrine” and “Eight Lords’ Shrine,” and was used to establish schools. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was occupied by the Fangcun Public Security Sub-bureau and the Fangcun Cultural Center. In 1958, the site became a steel-smelting facility and suffered severe damage. Today, only the front hall and the side rooms on both sides remain, but they still reflect the high level of architectural craftsmanship.

The stone plaque on the front of the main hall inscribed with “Little Penglai Immortal Temple” measures 80 centimeters square in clerical script, bold and powerful. Above the lintels of the two side doors are inscriptions reading “Clear Mirror” and “Level Ground.” Below the gable wall of the front hall is a row of decorative brick carvings featuring the “Prosperity in Bloom” design, all finely crafted with clear lines. Under the eaves is a long wooden relief carving about 10 meters in length and 40 centimeters in width, depicting over 20 sets of floral, fruit, and vegetable patterns, rich in local characteristics and considered a rare piece of wood carving art. The temple also features magnolia trees, which have long been praised by visitors.

There are various theories about who built Little Penglai Immortal Temple. One says it was funded by Taoist priests, another claims it was built by Kang Youwei’s grandfather, and yet another suggests it was commissioned by Ye Mingchen, former Viceroy of Liangguang, under his father’s orders. According to research by relevant departments and experts in recent years, the temple was most likely built by Kang Youwei’s grandfather. The name “immortal temple” was a trend at the time, symbolizing elegance and refinement. Around 1867 during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, the young Kang Youwei once studied here. Little Penglai Immortal Temple is now listed as an internally controlled cultural relic protection unit by the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government.

In 2001, due to the construction of the Pearl River Tunnel, Little Penglai Immortal Temple underwent protective relocation. The relocated temple is now situated within Zuiguan Park in Fangcun, Liwan District.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Guangzhou Cultural Relic Protection Units