【In-Depth Tour of Longhai Temple in Shishi】

15 local secrets even the sweeping monk praises my expertise! At 5 a.m. at Longhai Temple, the sea mist has not yet cleared. Old Chen, the sweeping monk, is already waving his bamboo broom to clear fallen leaves. The rustling sound mixed with distant waves becomes the most natural alarm clock. The first incense stick in the censer is just lit, and the pine-scented smoke drifts toward the sea with the sea breeze. This temple, built in the Southern Song Dynasty, has every brick and stone soaked with the salty fragrance of the sea breeze. 📸 A must-see for photography enthusiasts: Under the century-old banyan tree on the east side of the Mahavira Hall, morning light filters through the leaves casting mottled shadows on the stone path. At the corner of the Sutra Library, the stone-carved window flowers cast lotus patterns on the ground when the sunlight hits directly at 3 p.m. At low tide, walking down the path by the release pond, the entire reef and mudflat become a natural photography studio. 🍜 Food radar activated: The "Oyster Pancakes" sold from a cart at the temple gate must use oysters freshly caught that day. The batter is mixed with local sweet potato starch, fried to crispy outside and tender inside. Walk 200 meters toward the fishing village to find "A Zhi Noodle Soup," with broth simmered for six hours using a whole old hen. The best is "Grandma’s Fried Jujube" deep in the alley, a family recipe sticky rice ball with molten peanut filling inside. 🙏 Deep experience guide: On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, monks beat wooden fish drums and circle the temple three times during morning prayers. In the corner of the Guanyin Hall is a yellowed merit record book documenting fishermen’s vow fulfillment stories from the Republic of China era. The ancient well in the backyard still has sweet and clear water; old devotees say it’s "Guanyin’s nectar," and taking a bottle home to brew tea is especially fragrant. 🚗 Transportation test: Take bus K901 from Shishi Bus Station and tell the driver to stop at "Longhai Temple." For self-driving, you can park at the fishing port parking lot opposite the temple for 10 yuan all day. Avoid weekend Dharma assembly times; Wednesdays and Thursdays have the fewest visitors. After 5:30 p.m., the whole temple feels like it’s just you—an amazing experience. 🔍 Hidden Easter eggs: The beams and pillars of the Mahavira Hall are carved with the names of Ming Dynasty boatmen who donated funds for repairs. The stone tablet by the release pond records a typhoon disaster relief during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. The most magical is the bronze bell on the second floor of the bell tower; a gentle touch rings it for three minutes. The old monk says this is the "Sea Dragon King’s listening bell." 👕 Outfit suggestions: Bring a light jacket; the sea breeze is cooler than expected. Wear non-slip flat shoes as some stone steps in the temple are mossy. Bring a hat if you’re afraid of sunburn; the seaside UV rays can darken your skin quickly. Pack a dry towel in your backpack—you might not resist going into the water anytime. [Suggested photos: panoramic view of the temple in morning mist / close-up of the monk sweeping leaves / oyster pancake making process / beam and pillar stone carvings details]