III. Architectural Layout: A Model of Jiangnan Monastery with Central Axis Symmetry
The architectural layout of Longhua Temple strictly follows the traditional Chinese Buddhist temple pattern of central axis symmetry, facing south, with main halls arranged in sequence along the central axis, creating a clear hierarchy and grand momentum. The entire complex, from south to north, is as follows:
3.1 Longhua Pagoda: A Millennium Landmark
The Longhua Pagoda is the most striking landmark of Longhua Temple and even the entire Shanghai area. It is located at the southeast corner of the temple, outside the mountain gate, a layout commonly seen in Jiangnan.
- Form: Pavilion-style brick-and-wood structure pagoda.
- Height: Approximately 40.4 meters.
- Floors: Seven stories, octagonal.
- Construction Date: The current pagoda body was rebuilt in the second year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song Dynasty (977 AD). Although it has undergone repairs through the ages, the main structure retains the characteristics of Song Dynasty architecture.
- Structural Features: The outer wall of the pagoda is brick-built, with wooden balconies, eaves, and railings on each floor. The eaves are upturned, and wind chimes hang from them, tinkling pleasantly in the breeze. Inside, wooden stairs spiral upward. The bracket sets (dougong), columns, and beams of the pagoda showcase the simple yet vigorous style of Song architecture.
3.2 Mountain Gate and Maitreya Hall
Upon entering the temple, the first thing you see is the mountain gate. The mountain gate of Longhua Temple is a three-bay, single-eave hip-gable roof building, with a plaque reading 'Longhua Temple' hanging in the center. Passing through the mountain gate, you reach the Maitreya Hall. In the center of the hall is enshrined the laughing Maitreya Bodhisattva (Budai monk statue), flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings. Behind the Maitreya Hall, the Skanda Bodhisattva stands facing the Grand Hall, protecting the Dharma.
3.3 Heavenly Kings Hall
Behind the Maitreya Hall is the Heavenly Kings Hall, five bays wide and four bays deep, with a double-eave hip-gable roof. In the center of the hall is enshrined the crown-wearing Maitreya, an incarnation of Maitreya Buddha, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings, each holding a sword, pipa (lute), umbrella, and snake, symbolizing 'favorable weather' (wind, rain, smooth, and harmonious).
3.4 Grand Hall: The Core of the Temple
The Grand Hall (Daxiong Baodian) is the core building of Longhua Temple and the most magnificent hall in the entire temple. It is seven bays wide and five bays deep, with a double-eave hip-gable roof covered with yellow glazed tiles, shining brilliantly in the sunlight.
- Enshrined Deities: In the center are enshrined the Three Saints of Huayan: Vairocana Buddha (Dharmakaya Buddha), Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. The Buddha statues are several meters tall, solemn and compassionate. On both sides are the Eighteen Arhats, each with distinct expressions and lifelike appearances. On the back wall of the hall is a sculpture of Guanyin on the Island, depicting the scene of Guanyin Bodhisattva saving sentient beings.
- Architectural Features: The hall's beam structure combines raised-beam and column-and-tie construction, with thick timbers and large bracket sets, reflecting a blend of Qing Dynasty official architecture and local Jiangnan techniques. The caisson ceiling is exquisite, and the painted decorations are magnificent.
3.5 Three Saints Hall and Sutra Depository
Behind the Grand Hall is the Three Saints Hall, five bays wide with a single-eave hip-gable roof. It enshrines the Western Three Saints: Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. Behind the Three Saints Hall are the Abbot's Room and the Sutra Depository. The Sutra Depository is a two-story pavilion-style building housing the 'Dragon Sutra' (Qianlong Tripitaka) and other precious Buddhist scriptures and cultural relics.
3.6 Side Halls and Gardens
On both sides of the central axis are symmetrically arranged auxiliary buildings such as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Sangharama Hall, Patriarch Hall, Guest Hall, and Dining Hall. On the east side of the temple is a peony garden, which contains peony varieties over a hundred years old. Every spring when they bloom, the garden is a riot of color, complementing the ancient temple. In addition, there are several stele corridors within the temple, preserving inscriptions and poems by literati from various dynasties.
