Guangzhou Hongsheng Temple

Guangzhou Hongsheng Temple

Guangzhou Hongsheng Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Xiaozhuang Hongsheng Ancient Temple in Changzhou is located in Xiaozhuang Village on Changzhou Island in Huangpu, at the confluence of the northern and southern waterways entering and exiting Guangzhou in the lower reaches of the Pearl River. It lies on the western southern bank of the Huangmu Deep Bay. According to local lore, the island is surrounded by water, and villagers had to travel all day just to worship the South Sea God, making transportation very inconvenient. Moreover, in ancient times, Chinese and foreign ships would anchor here, and sailors would come ashore to pray to the South Sea God for protection, hoping for calm seas and prosperous trade. They would also purchase provisions for their voyages at places such as Hongfu Market and Anlai Market. The temple was originally built in the first year of the Yuanshun era of the Yuan Dynasty (1330), situated to the east of the current White Rabbit Battery, facing east with its back to the west. To its left is the Pearl River Tiezhuang Channel, nestled against the mountain and close to the water, with beautiful scenery. When the temple was built, there was a vast expanse of water in front of the gate, which later accumulated silt to become a tidal flat. During high tides, the water could rise to the foot of the mountain in front of the temple. Later, embankments were built for farming, and the area has now been developed into a commercial market and residential district. To the north of the temple is a rocky cliff that still bears traces of ancient marine erosion. The couplet on the temple’s main gate reads:

The door faces the Pearl River where a fish (the East Sea Fish Pearl) leaps waves to pay homage to the Dragon King

The temple rests upon Rabbit Peak where two beasts (a large and a small tiger) guard the ferry as worshippers pay tribute

Couplets inside the temple:

The South Sea has a deity who bestows universal blessings

All rivers flow without exception to the same source

The temple was renovated in the 20th year of the Daoguang reign (1840), covering an area of about 120 square meters, with a depth of two courtyards. The front section is smaller, while the rear main hall is larger, separated by a courtyard and featuring a four-eave dripping water watchtower (used for burning joss paper and silver ingots for the deities). To this day, a square jade "Hongsheng King Treasure Seal" is still preserved, featuring a round handle with a lion perched atop it (now damaged). On the back of the seal, the right side is inscribed with "20th year of the Daoguang reign (1840)," and the left side with "Respectfully offered by disciple Zeng Jiangguang." Research indicates that the temple was renovated during the Opium War period, which was also on the eve of the 1860s when the world’s maritime transport began transitioning gradually from wooden sailing ships to steamships. Due to the increase in foreign trade, the renovation of the temple was a normal occurrence. Over time, exposure to wind and rain, along with a century of neglect, led to the deterioration of the temple structure. In 1958, during the Great Leap Forward, the temple was demolished, leaving only the foundation. Currently, with China’s reform and opening up, economic development, and the rise of Changzhou as a tourist destination, the historical “Maritime Silk Road splendor of Guangzhou” can once again be seen in the Xiaozhuang Hongsheng Temple and Hongsheng Bridge. The Xiaozhuang Cooperative started construction on December 8, 1996, and the renovated temple was completed in the summer of 1997. A stone stele was erected to record these events.

Changzhou Subdistrict: Established in August 2002, Changzhou Subdistrict is located in the southwestern part of Huangpu District and is an independent island at the mouth of the Pearl River. It is the site of the famous former Whampoa Military Academy. To the southeast, it is connected by a bridge to Xiaoguwei in Xinzao Town, Panyu District; to the west, it faces Haizhu District; and to the north, it faces the old port of Huangpu across the river. It covers a total area of 11.5 square kilometers, including 8.5 square kilometers of land area. At the end of 2003, it had 177 hectares of arable land and 1,146.5 mu of mountain forest land; it comprises four community neighborhood committees—Shenjing, Changzhou, Huangchuan, and Meiyuan—and 36 resident groups; it has a registered population of 6,231 households totaling 20,935 people... More detailed information about Changzhou Subdistrict++