Huanglong Temple in Jianshui County, Honghe

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Chinese Name:建水黄龙寺
English Name: Huanglong Temple in Jianshui County, Honghe

Historical Evolution

• The temple was first built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, undergoing multiple expansions and renovations. It was also expanded several times during the Republic of China period.
• In April 2014, the groundbreaking ceremony for the second-phase project of Huanglong Temple took place.

Architectural Layout and Features

• Layout: The temple is built along a central axis on a mountain slope, forming a three-courtyard complex that integrates architectural styles from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. Key structures include the Yuhuang Hall (Hall of the Jade Emperor), Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall, Wenchang Hall (Hall of the God of Culture), Mountain Gate, Sansheng Hall (Hall of the Three Saints), and Mahavira Hall.
• Architectural Style: The main hall spans 13 meters in width and 10.5 meters in depth, featuring a dougong-supported timber structure with a single-eaved 歇山顶 (xieshan roof), embodying distinct Yunnan characteristics. The temple’s overall design is simple and elegant; though aged by time, its weathered appearance conveys a sense of tranquility and peace.

Temple Culture

• Religious Culture: The temple houses numerous Buddha statues. The Mahavira Hall enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, serving as the main venue for daily recitations and rituals by monks and believers. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin Hall honors Guanyin Bodhisattva, symbolizing compassion and wisdom. The Yuhuang Hall, dedicated to the Jade Emperor, is a place where 信徒 (believers) pray for peace and happiness.
• Matchmaking Culture: Huanglong Temple is renowned for being effective in fulfilling prayers for marriage, revered as a holy site by countless men and women seeking love. Although there is no specific shrine for Yue Lao (the God of Marriage), many believe the temple’s deities can help forge romantic connections.

Related Activities

• In recent years, the temple has hosted events related to matchmaking, such as the “Matchmaking Fair,” providing opportunities for young people to interact.
• The abbot, Shi Chizhong, raises funds for renovations and expansions by creating calligraphy and paintings, which are auctioned as “结缘” (bonding) items.

Surrounding Scenery

• Yellow Dragon Pool (Huanglongtan): At the foot of the mountain lies a half-mu (about 333 m²) clear Yellow Dragon Pool, where spring water gushes year-round at a temperature of 7°C to 8°C, forming a natural swimming pool.
• Tuanjia Village: Located near Tuanjia Village at the foot of Shaohe Mountain, visitors can explore well-preserved ancient residential complexes after visiting the temple, experiencing the traditional rural scenery of southern Yunnan.

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