Qinglong Ancient Temple in Chaozhou

Overview

Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙), also known as Anji Wang Temple (安济王庙), and affectionately referred to as “Dalaoye Gong” (大老爷宫) by the people of Chaozhou, is located in the Xiangqiao District (湘桥区) of Chaozhou City (潮州市), Guangdong Province (广东省). The temple was originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋) and remains a prominent local landmark. It is open year-round, with operating hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The temple is situated at the southern end of the South Embankment Road (南堤路), at the western end of the Hanjiang River Bridge (韩江大桥), facing the Hanjiang River (韩江). It is commonly called Anji Wang Temple, and locals refer to it as “Dalaoye Gong” (大老爷宫). Inside the temple, there is the main hall (正厅), the Xianshi Hall (仙师殿), and the Guan Hall (官厅). The main hall houses the statues of the Anji Sheng Wang (安济圣王), his First Consort (大夫人), and his Second Consort (二夫人). The hall also enshrines other deities such as She Ren Ye (舍人爷), Fu De Lao Ye (福德老爷), Hua Gong Hua Ma (花公花妈), and the Three Xianshi (三仙师公), among others.

Temple Information

  • Name: Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙)
  • Location: South Embankment Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City (潮州市湘桥区南堤路)
  • Climate: Subtropical
  • Opening Hours: Year-round, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: Free
  • Construction Time: Northern Song Dynasty (北宋)
  • Country: China (中国)
  • City: Chaozhou, Guangdong Province (广东省潮州市)
  • Main Deities: Anji Sheng Wang (安济圣王) and his two consorts
  • Other Deities: Three Xianshi (三仙师公), etc.
  • Nearby Attractions: Fengcheng Park (凤城公园), Riverside Long Corridor (滨江长廊)
  • Official Phone Number: +86 768-2225855

Legend and Origins

The Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙) in Chaozhou (潮州) is located on the South Embankment (南堤) at the western end of the Hanjiang River Bridge (韩江大桥). Originally called Anji Sheng Wang Temple (安济圣王庙), the temple is renowned for its long history dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋). According to historical records, it was dedicated to Anji Sheng Wang (安济圣王), who was deified by Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty (北宋神宗赵顼) in 1068.

It is said that during the era of Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮), a general named Wang Kang (王伉) served as the governor of Yongchang (永昌) and defended the city from invaders. After his death, he was deified as a local deity. The temple is also linked to a local legend about a “green dragon” (青龙), believed to be a mystical creature that would appear and disappear mysteriously, never harming anyone, which contributed to its name.

The temple’s history is further enriched by a tale from the Ming Dynasty (明代). Local official Xie Shaocang (谢少沧) was punished with death for opening the government granary to relieve a severe drought and famine. According to local custom, those sentenced to death were hanged from a tree for three days, with those who survived considered to have divine protection. Xie survived after a mysterious figure appeared, shading him from the sun and storms. Upon surviving, Xie visited the temple, where he realized that the deity who had saved him was none other than Wang Kang (王伉), the “Anji Sheng Wang” (安济圣王).

Every year during the Lunar New Year (正月), the Anji Sheng Wang (安济圣王) is celebrated with a grand procession, drawing large crowds from Chaozhou (潮州). Devotees consider him a protector of their careers and success, particularly among merchants and travelers.

Historical Background

Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙), also known as Anji Wang Temple (安济王庙), is located on the southern bank of Han River in Chaozhou, Guangdong, China. It was initially built during the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋) in 1068. The temple’s primary deity is Anji Shengwang (安济圣王), also known as Wang Kang (王伉), a former official of the Shu Han dynasty.

According to historical records, during the reign of Emperor Shen Zong of the Song Dynasty, the temple was constructed in honor of Wang Kang, who had passed away and was later deified. The temple’s name, Qinglong (青龙), was derived from the presence of a green snake that often appeared around the area. It was believed that the snake brought good fortune and protected the region from floods.

In the 17th century, the temple was renovated during the Ming Dynasty, and in 1589, local authorities rebuilt it to honor Wang Kang as the “Anji Shengwang” (安济圣王). Local legends also mention the heroism of Wang Kang in the defense of Chaozhou and his association with the local community.

Features of Qinglong Ancient Temple

The Qinglong Ancient Temple is known for its distinctive architecture and historical significance. It has a central hall (正厅), where the main deity Anji Shengwang and his two wives are worshipped. The temple also includes the Xianshi Hall (仙师殿), dedicated to the three sages, and the Guan Hall (官厅), which features various local deities.

The temple’s entrance is inscribed with the words “Qinglong Ancient Temple” (青龙古庙), while a plaque reads “Anji Sheng Temple” (安济圣庙). Visitors will also find sculptures of stone lions (石狮) and pillars (石柱) in the temple complex, adding to its grandeur.

A distinctive feature of the temple is its association with the local legend of the green snake, which is said to bring good fortune to the area. The main deity’s statue, draped in yellow robes embroidered with golden thread, stands at an imposing height of eight feet, while his two wives are represented in elegant red and pink robes.

Structure and Layout

The temple complex includes several smaller halls and altars. Among them is the Xianshi Hall (仙师宫), dedicated to the three sages (三仙师公), and the Guan Hall (官厅), where visitors can pay their respects to various local figures, including Xie Shaocang (谢少沧), a local official. Notably, the temple’s stone carvings and sculptures are intricately designed, with birds and flowers depicted on the stone columns and beams.

The temple is also known for its fish-shaped water channels, which carry water from the temple to the Han River (韩江). Near the temple, there is a unique sand well, known as “Fengkui” (凤奎), which provides water during droughts.

Main Deity: Anji Shengwang (安济圣王)

Anji Shengwang, also known as Wang Kang (王伉), was a prominent figure from the Shu Han Dynasty (蜀汉). Born in Chengdu, Sichuan, he served as the governor of Yongchang (永昌). Wang Kang was revered as a protector deity by the people of Chaozhou, who called him “Dalaoye” (大老爷) or “Qinglong Ye” (青龙爷), meaning the “Grand Lord” or “Lord of the Green Dragon.”

Anji Shengwang is worshipped alongside his two wives, who are also honored at the temple. The temple serves as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking protection, prosperity, and good fortune.

Supporting Deities

In addition to Anji Shengwang, the temple also houses several supporting deities, including:

  • The Two Sages: These figures are believed to have been sent by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (宋徽宗赵佶) to inscribe the temple’s plaques.
  • The Lord of Wealth and the Flower God: These deities are associated with good fortune and the protection of children.

Local Legends and Traditions

The temple is home to many local legends and traditions, one of the most notable being the story of the three sages (三仙师). The sages are said to have arrived at the temple before Anji Shengwang and played a key role in helping the people of Chaozhou during times of drought and misfortune. The temple’s left wing is dedicated to the worship of these three sages.

The Qinglong Ancient Temple also hosts a yearly festival in honor of Anji Shengwang, during which the local community gathers to celebrate his life and contributions. The festival is marked by processions and ceremonies, attracting thousands of visitors to the temple.

Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙) stands as a testament to Chaozhou’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a symbol of the region’s resilience and the enduring legacy of its deities, particularly Anji Shengwang (安济圣王). Visitors to the temple can experience both its historical significance and its ongoing role in the local community’s spiritual life.

Establishment of Chaozhou Wang Kang Traditional Culture Research Association 

The Chaozhou Wang Kang Traditional Culture Research Association (潮州王伉传统文化研究会) was founded to promote and preserve the traditions and values of Chaozhou, particularly focusing on the cultural contributions of Wang Kang. The association’s purpose is to honor the legacy of Wang Kang, a respected figure in Chaozhou history known for his philanthropy and charitable work. The research association works to:

  • Advocate for the protection and development of Chaozhou’s intangible cultural heritage.
  • Preserve local traditions and customs.
  • Facilitate connections between the local community and Chaozhou people abroad, as well as attract investment to foster economic growth and tourism in the region.
  • Organize cultural and charitable events that reflect the values of charity and public welfare.

On November 5, 2011, the association held its inaugural celebration, marking the beginning of its mission to safeguard and promote the region’s cultural identity.

Return of “Anji Shengwang Old Incense Burner” to Qinglong Ancient Temple 

The Anji Shengwang incense burner (安济圣王香炉) is a historical artifact that was lost for over 40 years before being returned to the Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙) in 2013. The story of its return is a significant chapter in the temple’s history.

Discovery and Return of the Incense Burner

In early 2013, the Chaozhou Qinglong Temple Fair and related intangible cultural heritage events were broadcast on Chaozhou TV, which caught the attention of villagers in Mayang Township, Jieyang City. A 102-year-old woman named He Lanying (何兰英) had found the incense burner while collecting clams in the river over 40 years ago. She kept it in her home and allowed local villagers to worship it.

After seeing the broadcast, villagers contacted He Lanying’s family to inquire about the incense burner. Upon learning of its significance to the Qinglong Temple, the Chaozhou Wang Kang Traditional Culture Research Association (潮州王伉传统文化研究会), led by President Lin Yongqing (林永青), visited He Lanying’s home and confirmed that the incense burner was indeed the property of the temple. The burner is a stone-crafted round vessel featuring symmetrical lion heads on both sides, with inscriptions that read “Anji Shengwang” (安济圣王) on the front and “Weng Yongsheng Xi” (翁永盛喜) on the back.

He Lanying agreed to return the incense burner to the Qinglong Ancient Temple, free of charge. On May 6, 2013, a ceremony was held at the temple to celebrate its return. The event was attended by temple officials, local residents, and members of the Wang Kang Traditional Culture Research Association.

The Ceremony and Symbolic Gifts

The ceremony included the return of the incense burner, which was escorted back to the Qinglong Ancient Temple by President Lin Yongqing, along with members of the Wang Kang Traditional Culture Research Association and He Lanying’s family. During the ceremony, the association presented portraits of Anji Shengwang (安济圣王), his first wife, and his second wife to He Lanying as a gesture of appreciation. The return of the incense burner was seen as an act of cultural preservation and respect for the temple’s heritage.

The return of the incense burner sparked a wave of enthusiasm in the local community. Many citizens gathered at the temple to offer prayers and blessings, with large incense sticks burning and the air filled with a sense of hope and well-wishing for a prosperous life.

2014 Qinglong Temple Fair Cultural Parade

The Qinglong Temple Fair (青龙庙会) is a well-established cultural event in Chaozhou, held annually to celebrate the region’s traditions and folk culture. The 2014 Qinglong Temple Fair Cultural Parade (青龙庙会文化踩街) was scheduled for February 23, 2014. The event aimed to further promote Chaozhou’s cultural richness and engage the local community in a celebration of their shared heritage.

Event Details

The cultural parade was set to take place from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on February 23, 2014 (the 24th day of the first lunar month). The route would pass through various key locations in Chaozhou, highlighting the city’s history and traditional architecture. The parade route included:

  • Qinglong Ancient Temple (青龙古庙)
  • Nandi Road
  • Hanjiang Bridge
  • South Gate Ancient (南门古)
  • Paifang Street (牌坊街)
  • Baihua Terrace (百花台)
  • Zhongshan Road (中山路)
  • Hongqiao Vocational School (虹桥职中)
  • Huancheng West Road (环城西路)

This event was expected to be a spectacular showcase of Chaozhou’s rich cultural heritage, with performances, traditional costumes, and local folk art adding to the festive atmosphere.

Traffic Control and Safety Measures

To ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the event, the local traffic department imposed several traffic control measures along the parade route. These measures included:

No parking along the route from 6:00 PM on February 22 until the event ends.

Traffic control by segments during the parade:

7:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Nandi Road, Hanjiang Bridge, South Gate Ancient, Paifang Street, Zhongshan Road, and Huancheng West Road would be closed to vehicles.

8:30 AM to 11:00 AM: Huancheng West Road (from Hetou to Kaiyuan Road) and Xinqiao Road would be closed.

10:00 AM until the event ends: Fengchun South Road and Nandi Road would be closed.

Truck Restrictions: Trucks were prohibited from entering the city during the event, except for designated bypass routes.

Temporary Parking Locations

  • For participants and overseas guests: South Chun Middle School (湘桥区南春中学) and the Hanjiang Bridge parking lot (滨江长廊韩江大桥头) were designated parking areas.
  • For public parking: Several locations were identified along major roads, including Chaofeng Road (潮枫路), Chaohua Road (潮州大道), Xirong Road (西荣路), and others.

Qinglong Temple Fair in Chaozhou

In 2014, after a 64-year hiatus, the Chaozhou Qinglong Temple Fair (潮州青龙庙会) resumed its parade, transforming into “a grand cultural event, a celebration of folk customs, and a festival for the Chaozhou people.” The procession featured the “Anji Shengwang” (安济圣王), the first lady, and the second lady, showcasing the majestic royal procession. Chaozhou used the Qinglong Temple Fair as a platform to connect Chaozhou people both at home and abroad, reinforcing Chaozhou’s status as the “hometown of the Chaozhou people” and furthering ties with local dignitaries. This helped foster the return of the diaspora and encouraged participation in Chaozhou’s new wave of development.

The cultural parade was composed of over 1,200 people, covering nearly one kilometer. The parade route overflowed with Chaozhou local sentiment, and the streets were filled with spectators and tourists. Many people took out their cameras or phones to capture the wonderful moments. Among the parade performers, there were both traditional Chaozhou folk customs and modern elements. Traditional folk arts such as the Chaozhou big gongs and drums, dragon and lion dances, and other local features received loud applause from the crowd, while street dance and square dancing added a refreshing, contemporary flair.

The viewing platform was set up at the People’s Square of the city. At 10:20 AM, the cultural parade arrived at the square, beginning the “Blessings for Chaozhou” cultural performance. During the performances, including the Carp Dance, Raoping Cloth Horse Dance, Chaozhou Big Gong and Drum, Lion Dance, and Dragon Dance, Chaozhou people from both home and abroad prayed for the country’s peace, good weather, and societal harmony. Mr. Yang Shoucheng, Chairman of the Emperor Group in Hong Kong, Mr. Chen Weinan, Founder of the Hong Kong Chaozhou Community Association, and others attended, accompanied by Xu Guang, Secretary of Chaozhou Municipal Party Committee, and Li Qingxiong, Mayor of Chaozhou. Chaozhou people from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, and other regions sat on the viewing platform to witness the event.

Qinglong Temple Fair Incense Procession

Each year, from the 23rd to the 25th day of the first lunar month, during the Qinglong Temple Fair, local devotees and overseas Chinese gather to participate in the temple fair, worship Anji Shengwang (安济圣王), and light large dragon incense or red candles to pray for peace. This creates a spectacular scene of incense offerings.

Mid-July “Universal Salvation” Ceremony 

On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, during the Zhongyuan Festival, the Qinglong Temple (青龙庙) holds the Universal Salvation Ceremony (普度施孤法会) outside the temple gates, where they worship the Solitary Saint (孤圣爷).