Introduction
Building Features
Playing Audio Guide
Geographical Environment
Qing Shui Temple is oriented east-west, with its back toward the east and its front facing west. It overlooks Lotus Pond in front, is embraced on the right by Banping Mountain, and leans on the summits of both the small and large Turtle Mountains on the left. Surrounded by luminous mountains and pristine waters, in a land blessed with outstanding people, the temple perfectly fuses natural landscapes with religious culture
Barrier-free space and environmentally friendly design
Since Qing Shui Temple was inaugurated in 2000, an elevator has been available to facilitate visits for the elderly and those with mobility challenges. Additionally, during the temple's reconstruction, environmental considerations were prioritized: the number of incense burners was reduced, and an online candle-lighting service was introduced. This not only diminishes the environmental impact of traditional incense offerings but also overcomes limitations of time and space, making it more convenient for devotees to participate in prayers.
These user-friendly facilities and eco-friendly measures demonstrate the temple's forward-thinking philosophy. They not only address the needs of its devotees but also inject a modern, practical spirit into its religious activities.
The architectural features of Qing Shui Temple fully demonstrate the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
It has become a cultural landmark that embodies both faith and art.
Hinoki Wood Carving
Both the interior and exterior of the main hall feature decorations such as wooden shrines, palace lanterns, relief carvings, and paifangs, all carved from Hinoki wood to preserve the natural timber color. Utilizing mortise-and-tenon techniques, these elements showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional artisans and an elegant classical aesthetic.
Palace Lantern Hinoki Wood Carving
Door Gods Carving
Red Rosewood Solid Wood Door Gods
The Red Rosewood Solid Wood Door Gods exude a majestic and solemn aura. Carved from a single piece of wood split in half and meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans from Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, their exquisite craftsmanship is truly awe-inspiring. Within the hall, round columns and walls are harmoniously paired with natural, milky-white fossils and wood carvings, creating an atmosphere that is both imposing and warmly nostalgic.
Venerable Patriarch
Enshrined on the fifth floor is the venerable patriarch, who originally served as the guardian deity of the old temple built in Minguo 55 (1966). His gilded statue is a precious example of traditional cement sculpture of deities. After the temple was renovated and a larger guardian deity statue was reproduced, the fifth floor was chosen as his tranquil abode following consultation with the venerable patriarch.
The statue of the venerable patriarch on the fifth floor
ceramic dougong
Pioneering Ceramic Dougong and Colorful Ceramic Wall Panels
The temple further pioneered the use of ceramic dougong and colorful ceramic wall panels, complemented by swastika motifs at the eaves corners and ceramic lotus hanging baskets. This ingenious fusion of traditional and modern craftsmanship enhances both the cultural depth and the artistic beauty of the structure
Patriarch's Deity Statue
On the sixth floor stands the stone-carved Great of Qing Shui Patriarch—a colossal figure measuring 50 feet in height, 30 feet in length, and 28 feet in width. It is assembled using 387 units of Honglong stone and is supported by four towering pillars rising from the first floor, which guard the temple. This magnificent structure symbolizes both a stable architectural foundation and an awe-inspiring presence, safeguarding the prosperity and flourishing of the local community.
The Patriarch's Deity Statue atop the Temple Roof
Dragon Pillar Stone Carving
Qingdou Stone Dragon Pillar
Carved from a single piece of Qingdou stone by the same artisans who crafted the Patriarch's statue
Qilin
Qilin is a mythical creature in ancient Chinese mythology, whose form combines features of the dragon, fish, and sheep. According to legend, the Qilin is a benevolent beast whose appearance heralds an era of peace and prosperity, and as such, it has long been beloved by the people. In the stone carving on the skirt beam of the front hall, a Qilin is depicted facing backwards, with one on each side—male on the left and female on the right—complementing the stone lions.
The Patriarch's Deity Statue atop the Temple Roof
The Qilin Gold Incense Burner at the Temple Entrance
Stone Lion
Lions are revered as the king of all beasts, and in folk belief, stone lions are considered divine images endowed with the power to ward off evil and dispel misfortune. Positioned in front of the temple, they symbolize the protection of the temple and the stabilization of its foundation. A pair of stone lions, representing both the male and female, stand at the temple entrance to guard the premises together; in addition to demonstrating a majestic presence, they also embody an aura of harmony.
Qilin Gold Incense Burner
At the temple courtyard, a 20-foot-tall Qilin Gold Incense Burner radiates brilliant incense flames. The Bùkǒu (Zoulang) pillars, dragon pillars, wall carvings, and railings are all inlaid with Qingdou stone, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans from Putian, Fujian, and Quanzhou. These elements showcase the exquisite craftsmanship and solemn beauty of stone carving art.
