Twin Peaks Fairy Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Myth Hidden in the Mountains of Central Hunan

Hey friends 🏯! Discover an ancient temple full of stories in Twin Peaks—Fairy Temple! It’s not only steeped in romantic folklore but also bears witness to centuries of history. Locals come here to pray during festivals, and at the end of this article, there’s a super comfy accommodation guide. Save it now!

Fairy Temple: From Folklore to a Centuries-Old Shrine

The story of Fairy Temple begins with a folk tale from the Southern Song Dynasty! Legend has it that a kind-hearted young woman surnamed Hu from Xingzipu Town in Twin Peaks often helped villagers treat illnesses, weave cloth, and taught them how to grow mulberries and raise silkworms. During a severe drought that left crops withered, she led the villagers to search for a water source and ultimately transformed into a spring (later named "Fairy Spring"), saving the entire town. To commemorate her, the villagers built a small shrine by the spring, calling it "Fairy Shrine," which became the prototype of Fairy Temple.

It wasn’t until the Ming and Qing Dynasties that the temple took its current form through renovations and expansions! During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, local gentry spearheaded a reconstruction, turning the small shrine into a brick-and-wood structure with a front hall, rear hall, and even a stage. In the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, further expansions were made, including the addition of a fairy statue and murals depicting "The Fairy Saving the People" and "Silkworm Farming." Even the beams and columns were carved with auspicious patterns. Back then, Fairy Temple was bustling with activity, especially on the third day of the third lunar month, known as the "Fairy’s Birthday." People from nearby villages would come to worship, watch Hunan opera performances on the stage, and enjoy food stalls outside the temple, creating a lively market atmosphere.

Elderly residents of Twin Peaks recall that during the Republic of China era, the temple, though affected by war, remained largely intact. After liberation, it even served as the village’s cultural center, where children attended school and watched movies. In the 2000s, the temple was restored under the principle of "repairing the old as it was," with murals retouched, decayed beams replaced, and osmanthus trees planted outside, filling the courtyard with fragrance in autumn. Today, Fairy Temple is not only a place for prayers but also a great spot to learn about Twin Peaks’ folk culture. Inside, you’ll find Qing Dynasty incense burners, Republic of China-era stage props, and the "Fairy Spring" at the entrance still flows. Villagers say drinking the spring water brings peace, and many visitors take a bottle home.

What’s even more fascinating is the temple’s connection to "silkworm culture." Next to the temple is an old mulberry grove, said to have been planted by the young woman Hu. You can still see traces of silkworm farming by the villagers. Every spring, the temple hosts a "Silkworm Culture Exhibition," showcasing old looms and silkworm cocoon specimens, reminding everyone that Twin Peaks was once known as the "Land of Mulberries and Silkworms." For the people of Twin Peaks, Fairy Temple is more than just a temple; it’s a symbol of "kindness and gratitude." Visiting during festivals feels like having a chat with their ancestors.

Dongting Spring Hotel: A Comfortable Haven After Exploring History

After visiting Fairy Temple, staying at Dongting Spring Hotel is a perfect choice! Located in the heart of Twin Peaks County at the intersection of Caihesen Road and Yingbin Road, it’s just a 40-minute drive from Fairy Temple. Along the way, you can enjoy the idyllic scenery of central Hunan. It’s also convenient to visit local culinary spots like Yongfeng Chili Sauce Shop and Qingshuping Rice Noodle House, both just a 10-minute walk away.

The hotel is built to three-star standards, with a spacious and bright lobby featuring warm yellow lighting and wooden decor that immediately puts you at ease. The front desk staff are very welcoming. We stayed in a business king room, which was spacious with soft bedding that instantly relieved the fatigue of exploring the ancient temple. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, complete toiletries, and even a high-power hairdryer, perfect for drying long hair.

Breakfast was a delightful surprise, offering not only porridge and buns but also Twin Peaks’ specialty—mugwort rice cakes—paired with freshly ground soy milk, giving you a great start to the day. The hotel also has free parking, so those driving don’t have to worry about parking. The security guard even helps direct parking, which is super thoughtful. Whether you’re visiting Twin Peaks for its historical sites or its culinary delights, staying here feels like a "temporary home" with unbeatable value.

Visit Twin Peaks, hear the thousand-year-old legend at Fairy Temple, and enjoy the comfort of Dongting Spring Hotel. This cultural journey is sure to be incredibly rewarding! ✨

Post by 洞庭春 | Sep 25, 2025