
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Longyan, China
1. Tongmu Temple (洪山彤母寺)
An ancient Buddhist temple renowned for its unique architecture and intricate wooden carvings.
- Architectural Style: Features a blend of Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasty architectural styles.
- Wooden Carvings: Intricate wooden carvings adorn the temple's corridors and pillars.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
2. Putian Guanyin Temple (莆田观音寺)
A famous temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, featuring a 13-story pagoda.
- Architectural Marvel: Features an impressive 13-story tall pagoda.
- Religious Significance: Dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.
- Artistic Heritage: Houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.
3. Tianfu Temple (天府寺)
A historic temple with a unique mix of Taoist and Buddhist influences.
- Architectural Hybrid: Blends Taoist and Buddhist architectural elements.
- Historical Importance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
- Local Festivals: Famous for its vibrant annual temple fairs.
4. Wuyuan Xitang (武源西塘)
A scenic water town with historic temples and traditional architecture.
- Water Town Charm: A charming water town with canals crisscrossing the landscape.
- Historic Temples: Home to several ancient temples dating back centuries.
- Traditional Architecture: Preserves traditional Fujianese architecture.
5. Taiping Huqiu (太平湖丘)
A series of hills with over 300 Buddhist grottos and statues.
- Buddhist Grottoes: Home to over 300 Buddhist grottoes and statues.
- Historical Significance: Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it is one of China's oldest Buddhist sites.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Tiantai Mountain (天台山)
A sacred Taoist mountain with numerous temples and historic sites.
- Sacred Taoist Site: A holy Taoist site with several temples dedicated to Lao Tzu.
- Historic Significance: Home to China's first Taoist monastery, established in the Eastern Han Dynasty.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Features a network of scenic hiking trails.
7. Longyan Ancient City (龙岩古城)
An ancient city with well-preserved Taoist temples and historic sites.
- Well-Preserved Architecture: Preserves well the architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Historic Temples: Home to several ancient Taoist temples.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers a glimpse into Longyan's rich cultural heritage.
8. Wuyi Mountain (武夷山)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic beauty and historic temples.
- UNESCO World Heritage: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes, including hot springs and waterfalls.
- Historic Temples: Home to several ancient temples.
9. Taiyuan Temple (太源寺)
An ancient Buddhist temple known for its massive wooden gates.
- Massive Wooden Gates: Features the largest wooden gates in Fujian Province.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Architectural Style: Combines Tang, Song, and Ming architectural styles.
10. Putian Ancient City (莆田古城)
An ancient city with a mix of Taoist and Buddhist temples.
- Mixed Religious Sites: Features a blend of Taoist and Buddhist temples.
- Well-Preserved Architecture: Preserves well the architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers a glimpse into Longyan's rich cultural heritage.
11. Liyuan Temple (漓源寺)
An ancient temple renowned for its unique wooden pillars.
- Unique Wooden Pillars: Features over 1,000 intricately carved wooden pillars.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Architectural Style: Combines Tang, Song, and Ming architectural styles.
12. Jinxian Temple (金仙寺)
A Buddhist temple with a unique red-tiled roof.
- Red-Tiled Roof: Features a distinctive red-tiled roof.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Architectural Style: Blends Tang, Song, and Ming architectural styles.
13. Hengqi Temple (横旗寺)
A Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture.
- Unique Architecture: Features a unique architectural design with a leaning tower.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Architectural Style: Combines Tang, Song, and Ming architectural styles.
14. Longyan City God Temple (龙岩城神坛)
A Taoist temple dedicated to the city deity.
- City Deity: Dedicated to the city deity, offering protection and blessings.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest Taoist temples, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
- Cultural Experiences: Offers a glimpse into Longyan's rich cultural heritage.
15. Taihe Temple (太和寺)
A Buddhist temple with a unique octagonal design.
- Octagonal Design: Features an octagonal main hall, a rare architectural style.
- Historical Significance: One of Longyan's oldest temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Architectural Style: Combines Tang, Song, and Ming architectural styles.