Lingji Temple (Guanyin Pavilion) Introduction
Lung Chi Temple, formerly known as Guanyin Pavilion and also referred to as Lung Chi Ancient Temple, is located at the eastern gate of Houpu, near the national historic site of Chiu Liang-kung's Mother Festival and Filial Piety Arch. The temple faces northwest and on its left side, you can see a traditional waterway flowing down from Juguang Road, indicating that Lung Chi Temple serves both as a guardian of wealth and a water tail shrine. The name Guanyin Pavilion comes from the enshrined Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and therefore, local residents commonly refer to Lung Chi Temple as Guanyin Pavilion. The name "Lung Chi Ancient Temple" originated after Master Wei De took on the position of abbot. In front of the temple, a newly established incense burner in 1968 bears this inscription. The current roof ridge of Lung Chi Temple has a record from 1978, stated by then-abbot Master Wei De: "This temple was founded in the 20th year of the Tang Dynasty's Dezong, in 804 AD..." However, there is no historical evidence supporting its establishment during the Tang Dynasty. According to the records in "The Chronicles of Kinmen" by Qing historical figure Lin Kuan-yin, the current scale of Lung Chi Temple was rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in the fourth year of the Daoguang reign, initiated by local resident Lin Jun-yuan who encouraged donations. Throughout the Republic of China period, the temple underwent numerous repairs, and the Nationalist government utilized the worship pavilion. The most significant alteration to its appearance was the construction of the bell and drum tower in the 67th year of the Republic of China under the supervision of Master Wei De, along with subsequent repairs. Inside the worship pavilion and main hall of Lung Chi Temple (Guanyin Pavilion), many plaques from the Qing Dynasty can be seen, reflecting the importance given to it during that time. Furthermore, the "Chronicles of Kinmen" mentions that civil and military officials in Kinmen were required to light incense at Guanyin Pavilion on the first and fifteenth of each month and then publicly announce the "sacred decree" in front of the temple. Additionally, plaques from the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods further illustrate the communal faith shared by local officials, elites, and believers in Lung Chi Temple (Guanyin Pavilion) starting from the Qianlong era through the mid-Qing period.
