Yonglian Temple

The Yonglian Temple complex is situated at the intersection of Desheng Street and Chenggong Road, in the heart of Luzhou District. It is named "Yonglian" because the site is believed to be a "lotus acupoint" (a geomantically auspicious location). Luzhou was formerly known as "Monk's House" or "Monk's Islet" because the land was historically managed by monks. The main hall enshrines a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, flanked by Samantabhadra, Dragon Girl, Skanda, and Sangharama Bodhisattva as secondary deities, serving as the local spiritual hub. The overall architecture of Yonglian Temple is a combined complex, with Yonglian Temple in the front section and Maode Palace in the rear section. The interior and exterior decorations of Yonglian Temple extensively feature Koji pottery, clay sculptures, paintings, wood carvings, and stone carvings. A particularly unique technique is the numerous Apsara musician brackets, which are rarely seen in other temples. In front of Maode Palace in the rear hall, large bronze reliefs covering the walls depict historical events related to Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), a modern and extensive use of such decoration. Outside the main gate, a Buddhist guardian deity stands on each side: Skanda on the left, holding a vajra, and Sangharama on the right, holding a spear and pagoda, both nearly ten feet tall. Yonglian Temple began as a small thatched hut but underwent reconstruction within just 10 years and has been renovated four times since, evolving into the magnificent and splendid temple it is today. Annually, from the 17th to the 19th day of the 9th lunar month, known as the "Anniversary of Guanyin's Ordination," Yonglian Temple hosts grand celebrations. Especially on the 18th, a procession is held, commonly referred to as the "Luzhou Grand Worship," with various temple troupes participating from different regions, making it one of Luzhou's most vibrant annual local festivals.