Longxing Jiangsi Temple
龙兴讲寺
A lecture temple founded by imperial decree in the second year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty. It is the oldest surviving timber architectural complex in Hunan, and Wang Yangming once taught at the Huxi Academy within the temple.
Longxing Jiangsi Temple sits at the foot of Huxi Hill, northwest of the Yuanling County town. It was founded in 628, in the second year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty. Its name, “Jiangsi” (lecture temple), reflects its role as a place where the court taught scripture and civilising doctrine on the frontier. The Main Hall is a Song–Yuan timber structure with massive dougong brackets. Highlights include the lotus-patterned column bases inside and the plaque reading “A Buddhist Realm Before Your Eyes.” The Huxi Academy within the temple is famous because Wang Yangming, while in exile during the Ming dynasty, lectured here on “extending innate knowledge.” It is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Admission is about CNY 60 (subject to on-site prices), and a visit takes about 1.5 hours. It is a short walk or taxi ride from the county town.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Yuanling Old Town
- Fenghuang Mountain (Yuanling)
- Chenzhou Three Pagodas (Longyin Pagoda)
- Eryou Mountain
- Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve
- Hujiaxi Ancient Village
- Mingzhong Ancient Village
- Jietan Tea Plantation