Sanyuan Palace (三元宫), also known as Haining Zen Temple, is a remarkable architectural complex situated halfway up the Hua Guo Mountain in Lianyungang. Originating in the Tang Dynasty and undergoing reconstruction during the Song Dynasty, the temple reached its zenith during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620). Renowned for its grand scale, the palace received imperial decrees and flourished as a center of worship. The current main entrance plaque, reading “敕赐护国三元宫 (Imperial Decree-Protected Sanyuan Palace),” bears the hand-written inscription of Emperor Daoguang from the Qing Dynasty.
During the tumultuous period of the Anti-Japanese War, Sanyuan Palace, once a sprawling temple complex, was reduced to rubble. In recent years, extensive restoration efforts have gradually brought the temple back to its original splendor, with only a section of the southeast retaining the remnants of the ancient walls, serving as a poignant testament to its historical significance.
The centerpiece of Sanyuan Palace is the Mahavira Hall, situated amidst a landscape adorned by two millennium-old ginkgo trees – a testament to the temple’s ancient history. Despite enduring the relentless bombing during the Anti-Japanese War, these two trees, with branches shattered and trunks scorched, miraculously sprouted new shoots and bore abundant fruits with the arrival of the victorious spring breeze.
Within the main hall of Sanyuan Palace, statues of the Three Officials – the deities of Heaven, Earth, and Water – are enshrined. The temple complex also includes a front hall, a second hall, and the Tuan Yuan Palace. Seventy-four steep stone steps, resembling a celestial ladder, lead to the mountain gate, creating a sense of awe and reverence.
Sanyuan Palace not only stands as a testament to its rich historical past but also serves as a symbol of resilience, having weathered the ravages of war and time. The meticulous restoration efforts have allowed visitors to witness the enduring spirit of this ancient temple, where history, faith, and natural beauty converge in a harmonious blend.
