On December 17, according to an announcement on the official website of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Longxing Lecture Temple Scenic Area in Yuanling County, recommended by the Huaihua Municipal Tourism Scenic Area Quality Grade Evaluation Committee, has met the requirements of the national 4A-level tourist attraction standards, officially confirming its status as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. This comprehensive evaluation in accordance with the procedures was organized the Hunan Provincial Tourism Scenic Area Quality Grade Evaluation Committee.
Situated at the foot of Huxi Mountain in the west of Yuanling County, Longxing Lecture Temple was originally built in the second year of Zhen Guan in Tang dynasty (628 AD) by Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin. It has undergone expansion and renovations throughout various periods, blending architectural styles from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. With its grandeur, exquisite craftsmanship, unique design, it is considered a masterpiece among ancient buildings in Jiangnan. In 1996, it was designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit, providing a physical carrier for the study of the development history of ancient Chinese architecture.
Not only does the temple possess captivating architecture, but it also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Dong Qichang, a Minister of Rites in the Ming Dynasty, personally inscribed the plaque "Land of Buddhas" above the Main Hall, and the renowned philosopher Wang Yangming once lectured on his idea of “attaining liangzhi (knowledge of goodness)” at the Huxi Cottage (also known as the Yangming Academy) here.
Through the 4A-level tourist attraction evaluation, the Longxing Lecture Temple Scenic Area will further enhance its visibility and influence, attracting more tourists to appreciate the unique charm of this thousand-year-old temple. Simultaneously, it will inject new vitality into the cultural tourism industry in Yuanling, driving the development of comprehensive tourism and promoting holistic tourism initiatives.
(Translated by Qu Qiongxue)