The Red Sect Sanctuary Amidst the Jade Pools: Huanglong Middle Temple and the Guardian of the Calcium Shoals

The Spiritual Anchor of the Human Yaochi

Located in the middle section of the Huanglong National Scenic and Historic Interest Area in Songpan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, the Middle Temple (Zhong Si) stands as a poetic and spiritual landmark at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters. As one of the iconic structures in the Huanglong valley, the temple creates a rare and mesmerizing scene described as "the temple in the pond, and the pond surrounding the temple." Here, the ancient temple with its golden roof and red walls contrasts beautifully with the surrounding turquoise calcified pools, lush primitive forests, and distant snow-capped mountains. It is widely regarded by visitors as the "Most Poetic Religious Cultural Site in Huanglong" and the "Spiritual Guardian in the Wonderland of Colorful Pools".

A Legacy of the Red Sect and History

1.The history of the Middle: Temple dates back to the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (late 16th century). Originally a small Bon religion temple, it gradually evolved into a Nyingma (Red Sect) monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is dedicated to Padmasambhava (Lotus Born Master). Historically, the temple played a significant role as a guardian of the middle section of the valley. During the Qing Dynasty's Jinchuan campaigns, monks here provided food and guides. Notably, in 1935, during the Red Army's Long March, the troops passed through Huanglong. The monks of the Middle Temple supported the revolution by providing Tibetan medicine and food, while the Red Army respected the temple's faith, leaving behind a legacy of unity between the army and the people.

Architecture and the "Temple in the Pond"

2.The Middle Temple features typical: Nyingma architectural style, with a majestic three-story structure. The interior is adorned with carved beams, painted pillars, and thousands of exquisite Tangkas and murals that narrate stories of Padmasambhava subduing demons and protecting the dharma. These artworks are celebrated for their vibrant colors and smooth lines, representing the finest of Jiarong Tibetan art,. The temple's location is geologically and aesthetically unique; it sits right amidst a cluster of calcified pools. The pools, shaped like lotus flowers or jade plates, surround the temple foundation, creating a harmonious integration of man-made faith and natural wonder. The "Yellow Dragon" (Huanglong) deity is believed to protect this sacred land, ensuring the pools never dry up,.

A Center of Faith and Ritual

Culturally, the Middle Temple is a center for religious activity in the valley. It houses precious artifacts, including a natural Mani stone inscribed with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," considered a sacred treasure. Outside the temple, a corridor of hundreds of prayer wheels surrounds the structure, where believers walk clockwise to pray for blessings. The square in front of the temple features a majestic White Pagoda and piles of Mani stones. During important festivals like the temple fair in the sixth lunar month, monks perform cham dances (masked dances) and display Buddha paintings, while believers burn juniper branches (Wei Sang) and dance the Guozhuang, creating a fervent atmosphere of devotion that blends seamlessly with the sound of flowing water and chanting.