Chengtian Temple offers a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle

After experiencing enough of the hustle and bustle and the atmosphere of the marketplace, the seclusion of Chengtian Temple serves as a perfect antidote to the rising restlessness and weariness. The temple was originally built during the Southern Tang dynasty and was known as Nanchan Temple. It was renamed Chengtian Temple during the Northern Song dynasty. Like most ancient temples, it has undergone numerous disasters and calamities over the centuries, and the temple we see today was rebuilt in the 1980s. Above the mountain gate, there is a plaque with the words 'Moon Platform'. Passing through the gate, one finds a long, shaded path lined with towering banyan trees and stone lanterns, instantly isolating one from the outside world's noise and bustle, creating a realm of its own. Embedded in the white wall on the left is a stele marking the site where coins were cast during the Five Dynasties, with coin molds having been unearthed, providing a glimpse into the temple's past. Next to it is the Moon Platform Hermitage, where Master Hongyi spent his later years. The temple's grounds are much larger than one might expect, with a vast space behind the Mahavira Hall featuring newly constructed buildings in the Minnan style. There is also a stele marking the place where Master Hongyi was cremated. Near the exit, in front of a small house, stands a Northern Song dynasty stone scripture pillar, a genuine antique of the site. The courtyard is planted with white orchids, and in the late summer and early autumn, a subtle fragrance drifts through the air, a delightful surprise.