Xingsheng Temple

　　Xingsheng Temple is situated at No. 46 Jiangzhou North Road, Hailing District, Taizhou, Jiangsu. Originally named Yongfu Temple (known as Yongfu Nunnery during the Republican era). Hailing has always been a region blessed with remarkable people and beautiful land. In 1457, Chu Sui, a talented scholar from Ming Dynasty Taizhou, was born here. He later ranked first among the second-class successful candidates in the imperial examination and eventually served as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing. Historical records indicate that Yongfu Temple was first built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 400 years. Due to the changing times, the site transitioned between Daoism and Buddhism, or practiced both, and over the years became a sacred place in the region. According to Mr. Fan Guanlan’s article “An Overview of Buddhist Temples, Nunneries, and Shrines in Taizhou City,” it states: “Yongfu Nunnery is located west of Taizhou city. In 1949, the abbess was Venerable Baoyi. The original complex had eight main rooms and four wing rooms.

　　With the implementation of the national religious policy, Xingsheng Temple was designated as a religious site and officially reopened under approval document (Su) 121080002, restoring Yongfu Temple to its original form. The current abbot, Daozhang Hongfa, is a native of Hailing. Having traveled extensively for many years, he once served as honorary president of the Baiyun Temple and Kongtong Mountain under the Gansu Taoist Association. In response to the call for building a harmonious society, he personally funded the revival of this ancient temple. With the direct care of the Chinese Taoist Association, the Taizhou Municipal People's Government, leaders from the municipal and district religious affairs bureaus, and the support of the broader Taoist community, he worked diligently. Eventually, a magnificent Taoist temple was completed in the historic and cultural city of Hailing.

　　Xingsheng Temple has been rebuilt on its original site, with the entire layout designed according to traditional Taoist principles. The complex includes the Main Gate Hall, Main Hall, East and West Side Halls, Middle Hall, East Hall, and Rear Hall. The main gate faces south, with the Azure Dragon to the east and the White Tiger to the west, while the back rests against a mountain. The Main Gate Hall is dedicated to the Divine Official Wang Lingguan, flanked by the Four Heavenly Guardians—the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Xuanwu, and Zhuque—who uphold justice. The Main Hall is devoted to the Heavenly Worthy Who Relieves Suffering, with the Four Heavenly Masters on either side, who protect people from disasters and bring blessings. The East Side Hall is the Hall of the Goddess of Mercy (Cihang Daozun), whose boundless compassion and power save the suffering. The West Side Hall is dedicated to the Medicine King, who relieves suffering, brings blessings, and heals illnesses with miraculous medicine. Along the corridor are altars to Mazu, the Old Mother of Mount Li, and the Goddess of Childbirth, safeguarding the safe travels of devotees and the health of women. The Middle Hall houses the Jade Emperor, the Four Value Officials, the Heavenly Official, the Water Official, the Earth Official, and the Wenchang Emperor, with other deities nearby. The hall is used for Taoist rituals such as conferring Taoist ranks, celebrating saints, fulfilling vows, submitting petitions, conducting soul-releasing rituals, morning and evening services, the Jade Emperor Repentance Ceremony, and the Three Officials Repentance Ceremony. It also serves as a space for Taoist musical performances, particularly the Jade Emperor’s Heart-Seal Marvelous Scripture. The East Hall features the Sixty Jiazi (Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches), the Four Directions Doumu, and the Sixty Generals of the Year Gods, who report good deeds in heaven and safeguard peace on earth. The Rear Hall is dedicated to the Dragon King, who resides in water and channels the rivers into the sea, capable of summoning clouds and rain—thus revered as a deity. The God of War Guan Yu guards the rear gate. Outside the gate stand a large Taoist Bagua Bell, a Taoist Drum, and an Incense Burner.　

　　The statues of deities in all halls of Xingsheng Temple have been fully crafted, gilded, and installed, featuring lifelike and exquisitely crafted images that are truly breathtaking. They are hailed as a unique marvel in northern Jiangsu. The plaque of the Main Gate Hall inscribed with “Xingsheng Temple” was personally written by Ren Farong, the current President of the Chinese Taoist Association.