It is a small two-storied building in front of the Daxiong Baodian [Main Hall]. The window lattices of the Hufa Dian are engraved with covert patterns of An Ba Xian [Eight Immortals], from folk Daoist stories, and Dougong [Bracket]. The richly painted ridge has the bright Shiwan ceramic statues of characters representing Fu [Good], Lu [Fortune] and Shou [Emoluments], Nazha and King Chou. The stucco phoenixes on the four hip ridges add lustre to the roof. Hanging fishes combined with upside-down bats is an unusual combination of Chinese totems, and the big “Western” clock with Roman numerals inscribed even represents the diversified design styles of the Hufa Dian. On the walls of the Hufa Dian are painted the statue of Mile Fo [Future Buddha] welcoming worshippers to the hill. General Skanda [Sutra Protector] is enshrined on the upper floor to guard the Daxiong Baodian [Main Hall], while a Longgu [Dragon Bone] is laid in an iron cage on the lower floor. The Longgu was originally embedded in the Longgu Yan [Grotto of Dragon Bone] on the trail behind the Daxiong Baodian leading to a river, and legend has it that it is the fossil of prehistoric dinosaur. Tourists often throw coins to it to pray for good fortune. |