Yung-Lien Temple

The Yung-Lien Temple complex is situated at the intersection of Desheng Street and Chenggong Road, in the heart of Luzhou District. It is named "Yung-Lien" (literally "Gushing Lotus") because the land is believed to be a "lotus acupuncture point" according to geomancy. Luzhou was historically known as "Monk's House" or "Monk's Isle" because the land was once managed by monks. The main hall venerates a revered statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva from the South Sea, flanked by co-enshrined guardians Samantabhadra, Dragon Girl, Skanda, and Sangharama Bodhisattva, making it a central hub of local faith. The temple's overall architecture combines Yung-Lien Temple in the front with Maode Palace in the rear, forming a unique joint-worship complex. Its interior and exterior decorations primarily utilize kian-nî (cut-and-paste porcelain shard art), clay sculptures, paintings, wood carvings, and stone carvings. A particularly distinctive feature is the numerous celestial musicians adorning the *quetie* (ornamental brackets), a sight rarely seen in other temples. In front of the rear Maode Palace, the walls are covered with large bronze bas-reliefs depicting the historical deeds of Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), a modern decorative approach using expansive bronze reliefs. Outside the main gate, two Buddhist guardian deities stand tall on either side, each nearly three meters (one *zhang*) high: Skanda on the left, holding a vajra staff, and Sangharama on the right, holding a spear and pagoda. Yung-Lien Temple began as a modest thatched hut but underwent reconstruction within just 10 years. After four subsequent renovations, it has transformed into the magnificent and opulent temple it is today. Every year, from the 17th to the 19th day of the 9th lunar month, known as the "Buddha's Renunciation Memorial Day," Yung-Lien Temple hosts grand celebrations. On the 18th of the 9th lunar month in particular, a vibrant procession (Raojing) is held, commonly referred to as the "Luzhou Grand Worship." Temple troupes from various regions participate, making it a highly anticipated and lively annual local event in Luzhou. (Source: New Taipei City Travel Website)