Lingji Temple (Guanyin Temple)

Lingji Temple was formerly known as Guanyin Temple and is also called "Lingji Ancient Temple". The temple is located at Houpu East Gate, adjacent to the National Historic Site, the Archway of Filial Piety and Chastity for Qiu Liang-gong's Mother. The temple faces northwest, sitting southeast. The ditch visible on its left side is a traditional waterway flowing down from Juguang Road, which suggests that Lingji Temple also functions as a 'Shuiwei Temple' (a temple at the end of a waterway, often believed to guard wealth and prosperity). The name Guanyin Temple originates from the fact that Guanyin Bodhisattva is the main deity enshrined within, hence local residents customarily refer to Lingji Temple as Guanyin Temple. The name "Lingji Ancient Temple" came into use after Master Shi Wei-de became its abbot. The inscription on the new incense burner installed in front of the temple in 1968 is clearly visible. An inscription from 1978 on the main ridge of the current Lingji Temple roof, made by the then-abbot Master Shi Wei-de, states: "This temple was founded in 804 AD (Jiashen year), the 20th year of Zhenyuan reign during Emperor Dezong's rule in the Tang Dynasty..." However, there is no historical evidence to corroborate its founding in the Tang Dynasty.