On December 17, 2025, according to an official announcement released by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hunan Province, and upon recommendation by the tourist attraction quality rating committees of relevant prefecture-level cities and prefectures, Longxing Lecture Temple Scenic Area in Yuanling County met the standard requirements for national 4A-level tourist attractions and was officially designated as a national 4A tourist attraction after a comprehensive evaluation conducted in accordance with due procedures by the Hunan Tourist Attraction Quality Rating Committee.
Nestled at the foot of Huxi Hill in the west of Yuanling County, Longxing Lecture Temple was built in the second year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty (628) by imperial order of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. Expanded and renovated through successive dynasties, the architectural complex integrates the architectural styles of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Boasting magnificent momentum, exquisite craftsmanship and unique shapes, it is hailed as a masterpiece among ancient buildings in the Jiangnan region. It was listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level as early as 1996, serving as a physical relic for the research on the development history of ancient Chinese architecture.
Apart from its distinctive architectural charm, the temple also boasts profound cultural heritage. Dong Qichang, Minister of Rites of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), personally inscribed the horizontal plaque “Buddha Land Before Our Eyes” which hangs in the Mahavira Hall. Wang Yangming, the renowned philosopher, once imparted the philosophy of “the extension of innate knowledge” at Huxi Study (also known as Yangming Academy) within the temple.
The approval of Longxing Lecture Temple Scenic Area as a 4A tourist attraction will further enhance its popularity and influence, attracting more tourists to experience the unique charm of this millennium-old ancient temple. Meanwhile, it will inject new vitality into the cultural tourism industry of Yuanling County and drive the development of all-for-one tourism.
(Translated by Yang Hong)