The Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, has stood on this site for more than 2,000 years. With its exquisite stone, brick, wood, clay and lime carvings, the cluster of buildings represent the peak of Lingnan-style architecture. To make full use of the natural terrain and landscape, the temple was designed to prevent floods and repel insects and lightening strikes. 

The main hall of the Longmu Temple is seen in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

The main hall of the Longmu Temple is seen in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

The main hall of the Longmu Temple is seen in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

The main hall of the Longmu Temple is seen in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

According to local chronicles, Longmu was born and grew up along the Xijiang River. She was not only skilled in every aspect of farming, such as cultivation, weaving, fishing and grazing cattle, she was also warmhearted to help to cure the sickness among the locals, forecast rain and snow, prevent ill fortune and bring good luck. After her death, the local residents built the Longmu Temple to commemorate this heroic lady and worship her annually to this day. 

Clay figures are seen on the ridge tile of a building at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

Clay figures are seen on the ridge tile of a building at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

Each year, the birth and enlightenment ritual of Lady Longmu held at the Longmu Temple is the biggest celebration of Longmu beliefs, which are prevalent along the Xijiang River and in surrounding and nearby regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Taiwan. During the rituals, visitors can experience the most authentic aspects of Longmu culture.

Clay and lime carvings are seen on a building at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

Clay and lime carvings are seen on a building at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

Wood carvings are seen on a gate at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN

Wood carvings are seen on a gate at the Longmu Temple in Yuecheng Township, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. /CGTN