Qianshan Longquan Temple

Qianshan Longquan Temple

Qianshan Longquan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Longquan Temple

Longquan Temple, situated in the central part of Qianshan’s North Valley and about 1.5 kilometers east of Wuliangguan, stands embraced by surrounding peaks on a spacious site with grand architecture. It is the largest existing Buddhist temple among Qianshan’s five major monastic complexes. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, the temple remained small during the Jin and Yuan periods but saw extensive construction during the Ming Dynasty, resulting in a rich array of structures. Though later renovated, it retained its Ming-style architectural character. The temple is half built against a cliff and half enclosed by short walls, nestled within a secluded valley and dense woods. Its main surviving structures include the Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Skanda Hall, Vairocana Hall, Dragon King Temple, and Scripture Depository. The temple’s statues and carvings are exquisitely crafted and remarkably lifelike.

Behind the temple lies a clear spring that flows year-round. Legend has it that this is the “Dragon Birth Water,” and because the stream meanders in a shape resembling a dragon, the temple was named Longquan (Dragon Spring) Temple. In the mountain hollow behind the temple is the Rear Pavilion, established during the Ming Jiajing era by the monk Liu Bin. The temple surroundings feature 16 scenic spots, including Pine Gate and Pagoda Shadow, Bottle Peak Morning Green, Spiral Peak Moonlit Night, Toad Stone Morning Sun, and Lion’s Mouth Bell Chime, all of which have long been celebrated within the Qianshan Scenic Area. The Qing Dynasty poet Wang Erlie once composed verse in praise of Longquan Temple’s splendor: “A thousand peaks display the beauty of misty hues, sixteen scenes preserved as living paintings.”