Longqi Yanhuang Temple

　　Located in Longqi Township, Tainan County, Yanhuang Temple is a relatively young monastery situated in a remote part of the county, so not many people know about it. However, due to the many legendary stories of its abbots—Venerable Wucheng and Venerable Hemiao—it has become a topic of much interest. Originally, Yanhuang Temple was just a simple hermitage where Venerable Wucheng practiced in seclusion. It wasn’t until 1990 (the 79th year of the Republic of China) that it was built into its current palatial style. Venerable Wucheng, a native of Tainan County, used to run a business producing Taiwan’s famous brand of athletic shoes, “Niutou Pai” sports shoes, during his secular life. Just as the business was thriving, he decided to become a monk at the age of 54. His ordination master was Venerable Jingxin, who is currently the president of the Buddhist Association of China.

　　　　Venerable Wucheng’s father, Venerable Hemiao, was also a monk. Hemiao, whose secular name was Wang Licheng, was born on January 6 of the 14th year before the founding of the Republic of China (1908) and passed away on the 21st day of the eighth lunar month in 1985. In his youth, Hemiao worked in farming, but due to his deep karmic connection with Buddhism, he took the Three Refuges at Zhuxi Temple in Tainan in 1955 and regarded Masters Jingjue, Zhangjia, and Huifeng as his root preceptors. The following year, at the age of 60, he received full monastic ordination at Fayun Temple in Da’hu, Miaoli. In 1964, at the age of 68, he established Fuguo Retreat (now Fuguo Temple) in Annan District, Tainan City. Later, he traveled across central and southern Taiwan, as well as Pingtung and Penghu, establishing preaching centers, Buddhist lotus societies, Buddhist drama troupes, Fuguo Voice radio programs, and aerial Dharma broadcasts. He also led youth groups in fostering ties with various Buddhist communities. Starting in 1973, he founded the Ciguang and Zhiguang Buddhist chanting associations, as well as kindergartens and nurseries such as Cihui and Xigang Bodhi. In 1978, amid the severing of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, he invited eminent monks to conduct a grand Water and Land Dharma Assembly. The following year, at the age of 82, realizing the need for a deeper understanding of monastic precepts in his later years and aiming to educate lay disciples, he invited Masters Xingyun, Zhuyun, and Ciai to conduct a lay Five Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts ceremony.

　　　　Shortly after forming a bond with Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Hemiao resolutely donated Fuguo Retreat to the organization. It has since been renamed “Fuguo Temple” and has become an important monastery of Fo Guang Shan in Tainan. In the 1970s, Venerable Wucheng came to the current site of Yanhuang Temple on Guanyin Mountain to practice in seclusion. Thanks to the many disciples Venerable Hemiao had cultivated during his lifetime, along with Venerable Wucheng’s compassionate and approachable nature, followers gradually gathered around him and built a formal monastery here. Yanhuang Temple was finally completed and opened in 1990. Nestled among the mountains and forests with breathtaking scenery, the temple serves as an ideal place for spiritual practice. In honor of Venerable Hemiao, the temple has constructed a stupa and memorial hall dedicated to him, reflecting Venerable Wucheng’s heartfelt tribute and filial devotion.

　　　　Source: Kan Zhengzong, "Taiwan Buddhist Temple Guide (9): Tainan Region"

　　　　Image source: Tour of Ancient and Modern Temples