Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple, Chaolong Temple, and Fu'an Temple are the three famous temples in Donggang, each dedicated to a main deity. Among them, the deity of Donglong Temple, Emperor Wen, is an important spiritual support for the people of Donggang and is closely tied to the cultural customs of Donggang Township. Emperor Wen, also known as "Thousand Years," has various legends surrounding his origins. It is said that he was a loyal protector during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, sacrificing himself at sea to save the emperor, and he is revered by the public as both a sea god and a plague god, canonized by the Jade Emperor to patrol on behalf of heaven. According to legend, Emperor Wen returns to Donggang every three years, giving rise to the "Donggang Welcoming Emperor's Peace Festival," held every three years to welcome the deity's arrival. The residents of Donggang Township almost all take part in the festivities, following ancient methods to craft exquisitely detailed and colorful decorations for the "Wang Jiao/Wang Boat,” part of the eight-day event that includes welcoming the deity, processions, feasting, and bidding farewell. During this period, the streets of Donggang are filled with awe-inspiring celebrations, vibrant performances, loud firecracker sounds, and devoted worshippers. If you have the chance to visit Donggang during the "Donggang Welcoming Emperor's Peace Festival," it is worthwhile to stop and participate in the festivities to experience the local culture and the respect shown to Emperor Wen. The main deity of Donglong Temple in Donggang is Emperor Wen, whose surname is Wen, given name is Hong, and courtesy name is Dexiu. He was born during the Sui Dynasty and hails from Baima Lane in Licheng County, Jinan Prefecture of Shandong Province. During the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Shimin disguised himself and ventured out, encountering danger. Wen Hong selflessly saved the emperor, earning him esteemed recognition, and he was granted the title of Jinshi. At that time, thirty-six individuals who rescued the emperor were also awarded the title of Jinshi. As local bandits were rampant and the people were suffering, the thirty-six Jinshi led troops to quell the disturbances. Wen Hong was skilled in warfare, striking directly at the bandits’ lair, leading to the surrender of tens of thousands of rebels, thus restoring peace in the country. Upon returning to court, he received imperial rewards and was conferred the title of Wang Ye (Lord). During a time of prosperity, the thirty-six Jinshi were commissioned to tour the country to promote the virtues of the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, while on a maritime inspection, they encountered danger and none survived. When Emperor Zhenguan heard of this tragedy, he mourned his loyal subject and believed in Wen Hong's deification. Thus, he posthumously conferred him the title of "Patrolling on Behalf of Heaven," ordering temples to be built nationwide to worship him during the spring and autumn festivals and ensuring that worship would continue perpetually. He also ordered the construction of a great ship called the "Wang Boat," which would carry the spirit tablets of Emperor Wen and his sworn brothers. After the purification rituals, the boat was sent into the sea, bearing the imperial decree stating, "Wherever the Wang Boat may go, the local officials and people must welcome it together, slaughtering pigs and sheep for offerings." This was to appease the spirit of Emperor Wen in heaven. (Image and text provided by Donglong Temple)
A scene inside Donglong Temple
Donglong Temple Golden Archway
