Qinglian Temple Introduction
Qinglian Temple is the center of faith in Ruysui. In response to the needs of local believers, today's Qinglian Temple not only worships the main deity Siddhartha Gautama but also enshrines Taoist gods, such as Guandi, Mazu, Tudi Gong, and Zhu Sheng Niang Niang, allowing local believers to worship and pray for blessings while also accommodating folk beliefs. Therefore, Qinglian Temple has developed a unique style among Taiwan's many temples that combines both Buddhism and Taoism. This century-old temple is also known for its unique legends. Inside the temple, there is a pair of bamboo baskets that appear ordinary but actually have a history of over a hundred years. It is said that during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, an old man left a pair of bamboo baskets at Dama Yan (now Ruibei), but he never returned to claim them. When the locals opened the baskets, they discovered that they contained two statues of Buddha. Moreover, a note inside indicated that one statue was to guard Shuiwei (Ruysui), while the other was to guard Matai'an She (Guangfu). This is the origin of the two brother temples today. In 1972, Hualien experienced a major earthquake that caused Qinglian Temple to collapse, yet the statues and bamboo baskets inside remained unharmed. The local residents believed this was a manifestation of spiritual energy. Even today, this pair of bamboo baskets remains a treasured artifact of Qinglian Temple! The walls and floors of Qinglian Temple are made from serpentine stone, abundant in Ruysui, which gives the overall architecture a distinct local character. With a well-established management system, the temple is well-lit and maintains a solemn yet welcoming atmosphere. Many believers from both the local area and beyond come to visit, making Qinglian Temple the spiritual and faith center of the people in Ruysui.
