Exploring southern China’s ‘Little Forbidden Palace’ in Jiangnan


By LEESAN

The Shengdi Temple at the Grand Temple of Hengshan is renowned for its abundant incense offerings. — Photos: LEESAN

I slowly made my way into the 1,300-year-old Grand Temple of South Mountain (Hengshan) in Hunan, China, led by Dai Huiling, the head of the Nanyue Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports bureau in the province. Several local travel operators and guides were also there.

Crossing past the Lingxing Gate, we officially entered the “Little Forbidden Palace of Jiangnan”. Although this may seem like just another Buddhist temple, it actually has tremendous historical significance.

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