Lingdu Temple

　　Lingdu Temple is the earliest temple in Hong Kong and the birthplace of Buddhism in the region. It is located to the west of Ha Tsuen in Yuen Long, Hong Kong. Established in the late Eastern Jin Dynasty, it is said to have been named after the Chan Master Huaidu from the Liang Dynasty who resided here. Lingdu Temple is one of the three historically documented ancient temples in Hong Kong, situated in the valley of Lingdu Mountain in Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long, New Territories. This mountain is also known as Datoubiechu and resembles the head of a tiger, boasting a majestic landscape. The area where Lingdu Temple is located is filled with flowing springs, lush woods, wildflowers, and a serene atmosphere—being here truly offers the feeling of being in a pure land.

　　It is said that Lingdu Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, though some claim it was constructed during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. According to *Guangdong Archaeological Compilation - Buddhist and Taoist Volume* and *Bao'an County Annals – Biographies*, in the early Yuanxi era of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (424–430 AD), the monk Paidu crossed the sea in a cup and resided on Cup Crossing Mountain (present-day Castle Peak) in Tuen Mun. He later traveled several miles to Loudu Mountain to establish Lingdu Temple. The original site was slightly higher than the current temple location and underwent multiple renovations and reconstructions during the Song and Ming Dynasties. Historical records indicate that during the 20th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1840), the temple was relocated slightly downhill to its present position, then rebuilt again in the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign (1861), and further renovated in 1928. The current appearance of the temple is the result of a major renovation in 1970, funded by the villagers of Ha Tsuen. At that time, Venerable Sheng Yi was invited to officiate, and Mr. Ling Ding-tong, the Director of the New Territories District Office, cut the ribbon. The event was a grand affair.

　　Due to the mountain’s resemblance to a tiger and the fact that the temple sits at the location of the tiger’s head—an area believed to be rich in spiritual energy—the temple gate was moved inside to the left side of the Mahavira Hall during the 1970 renovation. The original facing facade of the Mahavira Hall can still be faintly seen on the now-sealed wall. The Mahavira Hall now houses golden Buddha statues worshipped by villagers with incense and fruit offerings. On either side are meditation rooms and guest rooms, with an open-air decorative flower lattice in between. At the front is the Skanda Hall, to the left is the Guan Yu Hall enshrining Guan Yu, and to the right is the Chunyang Hall enshrining Lü Dongbin, indicating that the temple once served as a Taoist site. Though not large, the temple complex is fully equipped. Walking through the circular arched gateways from the entrance, one experiences a serene, simple, and immaculate atmosphere with a solemn presence.

　　Given its long history, Lingdu Temple displays many inscribed plaques of significant historical and cultural value. The main gate’s couplet is engraved in marble in gold characters: “Spiritual energy concentrates here making this mountain uniquely outstanding; the miraculous cup arrives leaving its stone impression fresh.” This clearly reflects its connection with Cup Crossing Temple (today’s Castle Peak Temple). Above the second archway is an inscription by Qing Dynasty top scholar Liang Yaoshu: “The Way Begins Here.” Furthermore, there are numerous notable couplets at the entrances of various halls. On the wall to the right of the main hall, there is a stone engraving from the 3rd year of the Guangxu reign by Deng Huilin, a local villager, titled *Fragmentary Records of My Father Rong’s Anecdotes*. It praises the deities enshrined here for their remarkable efficacy, bringing salvation to all and even curing his father Rong of illness and extending his life.

　　Since the 1950s, Lingdu Temple has been under the leadership of Venerable Guopu, who served as abbot for over 40 years. He passed away in 1994. Currently, the temple is maintained by administrators appointed by the villagers, who continue to offer incense. During holidays, many visitors book vegetarian meals here. On the hillside behind the temple, centuries-old pines and thousands of bamboos create a shaded backdrop, while streams flow down both sides of the temple grounds. The open spaces in front of and behind the temple still contain vegetable fields. It is said that a spring once gushed from the stream beside the temple, formerly known as Cup Crossing Well, but it has long been buried by sand and stones and is no longer visible, though water still seeps through. The temple uses this spring water for cooking and brewing tea, which has a fragrant and refreshing taste. Visitors here, aside from worshipping and enjoying vegetarian banquets, often take time to sip the fragrant tea made with clear spring water. It helps dissolve the worries of worldly life.

　　Transportation Guide

　　Location: Lingdu Mountain, Datou Mountain, west of Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long District, Hong Kong.

　　Getting There: Take KMB Bus 53 or NWFB K75P/K75 and get off at Sun Sun Village, then walk to the temple.