Ying Shan Temple Introduction
The temple known as "Liujia West Palace," or Ying Shan Temple, is located by the coast of Lücuo and backs against Ying Mountain, resembling a soaring bird. It was built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty and is one of the ancient temples in Kinmen. It serves as a common center of worship for the six local communities: Liu'ao, Pubian, Lücuo, Houzhai, Changfu, and Yangshan. The most prominent feature in front of the temple is the Stone General, which, according to legend, was established to counterbalance the Hou Sha wind lion god. Ultimately, it subdued the wind lion god and they together guarded the village. If one looks closely at its helmet, there is a small stone lion on top, which is said to represent the Hou Sha wind lion god! It is said that the stone used for the Stone General originally came from a spiritual stone at the Banshan (Hou Mountain) coast, which emitted a red glow at night and was said to show a person lying on it during the day, yet upon approaching, no trace would be found. Following divine instruction, the stone was split into two, with one half carved into the Stone General of Ying Shan Temple and the other into the Banshan wind lion god.
