Lingyun Temple Introduction
Lingyun Temple is the oldest temple on Guanyin Mountain, commonly known as Neiyan. It was established in the 4th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1739 AD). In the early years of the Guangxu reign, due to bandits hiding in the temple, Liu Mingchuan dispatched troops to eliminate them and burnt down the temple. The original site was rebuilt and named Lingyun Temple, belonging to Taoism. The temple architecture is of a single hall style, constructed with granite from Guanyin Mountain, and the roof tiles are traditional red. The asymmetrical ridge is a distinctive feature, with the left representing the Azure Dragon, the right the White Tiger, a canopy in front, and support behind, providing an exceptional geographical environment for the structure, making it a center of local faith. Inside the temple, many ancient plaques and steles are preserved, offering visitors a sense of historical depth. In March each year, Guanyin Mountain is often shrouded in mist, making the mid-mountain location a prime spot for eagle watching. Lingyun Temple, situated at a lower elevation, serves as an important site for observing low-flying raptors. This area is densely wooded, often frequented by the Long-eared Owl, making it very suitable for nighttime ecological observation activities.
