Nanzheng Temple

　　From the county town, drive about five or six kilometers north, and you’ll see mountains standing in a ring, like an enclosure or a screen; lush green trees cast a dense shade, dark as ink and emerald. This is the Nanzheng Temple Scenic Area. Nanzheng Temple is located on the mountainside.

　　 Nanzheng Temple was first built in the late Southern Song Dynasty. It was originally named Linzheng Temple and later renamed to its current name. Having endured the vicissitudes of time, the temple has experienced several rises and declines. Nestled against the mountain and facing south, Nanzheng Temple consists of one main hall and two smaller temples — namely Nanzheng Temple, Zuohua Temple, and Jiuhua Mountain Temple. The temple buildings have undergone multiple renovations and now shine brilliantly. Surrounded by green bamboos and pines, with gentle breezes wafting through, the environment is serene and the scenery delightful. Entering the mountain gate and walking up the stone steps along the wall, you’ll arrive at the Reclining Buddha Hall, an octagonal tower-like structure where a reclining Sakyamuni Buddha carved from Burmese white marble is enshrined in the center. The Buddha’s dignified expression makes for an awe-inspiring sight. This reclining Buddha was donated by overseas Chinese. Exiting the Reclining Buddha Hall, you’ll see three Buddhist halls standing side by side: Nanzheng Temple, Zuohua Temple, and Nanzheng Temple (note: possible repetition in original). Nanzheng Temple occupies the original site of the old temple, while Nanzheng Temple and Zuohua Temple were expanded in 1986. Nanzheng Temple and Nanzheng Temple worship the same bodhisattvas, mainly the Three Jewels of Buddhism. First is the Heavenly King Hall, where you’ll find a statue of Maitreya Buddha at the entrance, “with a big belly that holds all and a smiling face that greets all.” Behind Maitreya stands a warrior deity holding ritual implements — Skanda, the guardian of all sentient beings. The shrine in the Mahavira Hall enshrines the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The pillars are inscribed with a couplet: “Attaining the wondrous Dharma, one attains ultimate purity; broadly saving all beings, one serves as a bridge.” On both sides are eighteen arhats, some sitting, some standing, in dynamic poses. Zuohua Temple mainly worships Guanyin Bodhisattva and Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma is the founder of the Zen sect, the Buddhist tradition that has had the most widespread influence on Chinese culture and thought.

　　 Nanzheng Temple enshrines a rather diverse pantheon, including the Three Jewels of Buddhism, the Jade Emperor, the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, the Patriarch of Huashan, and even statues of Lord Bao Zheng and his two generals, Zhang Long and Zhao Hu. Truly, it’s a place where Buddhism and Taoism coexist under one roof. The temple also has several rear chambers and wing rooms, which serve as living quarters for the nuns. Since being rebuilt by nuns who raised funds during the Ming Dynasty, Nanzheng Temple has been presided over by nuns.

　　 Exiting the Mahavira Hall and climbing the stone steps behind it, you’ll come to the Lingxiao Hall and the Three Saints Hall. A hundred meters further up the steps brings you to Jiuhua Mountain Temple, an exquisitely built shrine. Behind the temple stands an ancient banyan tree, tall and umbrella-like. Its roots, however, are deeply embedded in the crevices of a huge rock. Despite harsh living conditions, it has flourished for over a hundred years, seemingly symbolizing the prosperity of Buddhism. The rock is inscribed with: “Calm contemplation can guard secrets; endurance is as solid as the earth.” To the upper right is the main hall of Huashan Temple, which primarily worships Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This temple was built following the architectural style of the Ksitigarbha Hall in Jiuhua Mountain, Anhui. In front of the hall lies a huge rock engraved with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s teachings: “Only when all beings are saved will I attain enlightenment; I vow not to become a Buddha until hell is empty.”

　　 Climbing to the back mountain, passing through the woods, you’ll reach the mountaintop. At the summit is a massive, drum-shaped boulder, hence the name Drum Rock Mountain. Standing atop Drum Rock Mountain, you can gaze into the distance at the vast sea, scattered islands, and passing boats; the surrounding fields, orchards, ditches, and villages are all within view. In front of Nanzheng Temple is a reservoir, its shimmering surface reflecting the green mountains, trees, and blooming wildflowers, creating a truly refreshing scene. Nearby, around Drum Rock Mountain, there are many peculiar rocks and stone carvings, such as Monk Stone, Immortal’s Footprint, Turtle Stone, Snake Stone, and more, each with unique shapes. Among the carvings are inscriptions like “Jiuhua Mountain,” “Mount Putuo,” “Must Pant,” and “Buddha’s Heart.”

　　 Nanzheng Temple is now a county-level cultural heritage protection unit. In recent years, it has been developed into a tourist attraction, attracting a continuous stream of pilgrims and visitors. Here, one can worship devoutly and also enjoy the beautiful scenery of green waters and lush mountains.