Donglong Temple

Donglong Temple, Chaolong Temple, and Fuan Temple are the three famous temples in Donggang, each with its own main deity. Among them, Weng Wangye (Lord Wen) of Donglong Temple is an important spiritual sustenance for the people of Donggang, closely intertwined with the cultural customs and development of Donggang Township. Wangye (Lords/Princes) are also known as 'Qiansui' (Thousand Years). There are various legends about the origin of Wangye. One popular legend identifies Weng Wangye as Wen Hong, who distinguished himself by protecting Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and later died at sea. Folk customs regard Weng Wangye as either a sea god or a plague god, having been bestowed with the title 'Imperial Inspector Representing Heaven' by the Jade Emperor. Legend has it that Weng Wangye returns to Donggang every three years, leading to the triennial 'Donggang King Boat Ceremony' (Donggang Welcoming King Peace Festival). To welcome the arrival of the Wangye, almost all residents of Donggang Township mobilize, following ancient methods to meticulously craft, carve, and decorate the 'Wangjiao' (King's Ritual) and 'Wangchuan' (King Boat) for welcoming and sending off the King. This eight-day festival, from welcoming the King, street processions, feasting the King, to sending off the King, fills Donggang Township with awe-inspiring rituals, bustling and lively performance troupes, deafening firecrackers, and devout worshippers. If you have the chance to visit Donggang during the 'Donggang King Boat Ceremony', be sure to stop and participate in the grand event to experience Donggang's reverence for Weng Wangye and its vibrant local culture. The main deity of Donglong Temple in Donggang, Wangye, has the surname Wen, personal name Hong, and courtesy name Dexiu. He was born during the Sui Dynasty in Baima Lane, Licheng County, Jinan Prefecture, Shandong. During the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Shimin, while traveling incognito, encountered danger. Wen Hong bravely sacrificed himself to rescue the emperor, leading the rescue effort. The emperor granted him the title of Jinshi (imperial scholar). At that time, thirty-six rescuers were also granted the Jinshi title. When nearby regions were plagued by rampant bandits, causing widespread suffering, the thirty-six Jinshi led elite troops to suppress them. Wen Hong, a brilliant strategist, led his forces directly to the bandit strongholds, resulting in tens of thousands of rebels surrendering and peace being restored to the nation. Upon Wen Hong's triumphant return to court, he was highly praised and conferred the title of Wangye. During an era of peace and prosperity, the thirty-six Jinshi were ordered to tour the realm, promoting the virtues and prestige of the Great Tang Dynasty. During one such sea voyage, they unfortunately met with an accident at sea, and all thirty-six perished without exception. Upon learning this news, Emperor Zhenguan, grieving the loss of his meritorious officials and believing in their deification, posthumously conferred upon them the title 'Imperial Inspector Representing Heaven'. He issued a decree for temples to be built nationwide to honor them with spring and autumn sacrifices, granting them eternal incense offerings from the mortal world. Furthermore, he commanded the construction of a large vessel, named the 'Wen King Boat', containing the divine tablets of Weng Wangye and his sworn brothers. After the Qingjiao (purification ritual), the boat would be sent out to sea. The King Boat bore an imperial inscription of eight characters: 'Eat in any prefecture you visit, eat in any county you visit' (遊府吃府，遊縣吃縣), proclaiming to the world that wherever the Wen King Boat arrived, common people and government officials alike should welcome it, sacrifice pigs and sheep, and hold grand offerings to comfort the spirit of King Wen in heaven. (Text and images provided by Donglong Temple)