Yuantong Hall of Yuanzhao Nunnery, Donghua Village, Jinjiang City
Hongya Donghua Village, originally named Donghu, was later called Donggonghou, Guanyin Palace, and Haifu Chan Temple, according to the inscription on the stele.
In the spring of 1928, Venerable Fangan of Longshan Temple initiated the construction of Hongya, with the support of local gentry Wu Kecheng and Shi Chengde. Upon completion, it was named Meifu Nunnery, originally located at the present-day An Shan Waijie. Yuanzhao Nunnery on the mountaintop was built during the Tang Dynasty, dedicated to Guanyin, along with Shancai, Longnü, and the Eighteen Arhats.
Donghua Village, originally named Donghu, was later called Donggonghou, Guanyin Palace, and Haifu Chan Temple. It was first known as Yuanzhao Nunnery and later renamed Meifu Nunnery. Its rich cultural heritage is now presented to the world. Together with the adjacent Zhenwu Temple, it forms a beautiful scenic spot in Donghua Village, leaving behind the simple, elegant, and magnificent Xuangi ancient temple, known for its exquisite craftsmanship, enduring legacy, and vibrant Buddhist atmosphere.
Meifu Nunnery has a long history, and its followers called for its restoration. Knowledgeable individuals agreed. Leaders of the senior association, such as Shi Xingyue, gathered opinions from all walks of life and reached a consensus. In 2001, local believers restored Meifu Nunnery, establishing a temporary two-story Buddhist hall east of Zhenwu Temple, enshrining Guanyin Buddha and the Three Sages.
Generous donors from home and abroad contributed funds for the construction. In April 2004, a temporary two-story Buddhist hall was built east of Zhenwu Temple, enshrining Guanyin Buddha and the Three Sages. Donors from home and abroad enthusiastically contributed, making the project a great success.
After discussions, it was decided to rebuild Meifu Nunnery. Shi Qikang, Shi Nengfu, Shi Yuchuan, and Wu Jinhe laid the foundation in 2004 and completed the project in 2007. During this period, Buddhist layman Moyuan restored the original couplets of Meifu Nunnery upon the project's completion. The then-abbot made significant contributions to the revival of Meifu Nunnery. After discussions between the Construction Committee and local dignitaries, it was decided to make significant contributions to the revival of Meifu Nunnery.
With the temple's revival, Buddha's light shines everywhere, Dharma rains blessings, and Meifu Nunnery brings good fortune. Local layman Shi Nengyuan composed the couplets, Master Jinggen from Nanputuo Temple inscribed them, and the temple plaque was [unclear]. Simple and elegant, magnificent, the ancient Xuangi Temple, with its exquisite craftsmanship, enduring legacy, and vibrant Buddhist atmosphere. Since then, incense has flourished, and blessings have spread far and wide. Meifu Chan Temple, with its rich cultural heritage, is now presented to the world. Together with the adjacent Zhenwu Temple, it forms a beautiful scenic spot in Donghua Village, leaving behind its legacy for future generations.
Meifu Chan Temple Reconstruction Committee, 2017