Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area

Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area

The Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area is located in the middle section of Qijia Mountain, an offshoot of the central range of Yiwulu Mountain, stretching from E'tou Peak to Wangchenggang in the southwest of Guangning Township, Beizhen. It neighbors other scenic spots such as the Great Guanyin Pavilion, Yuquan Temple, and Dayangzhao of Yiwulu Mountain. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the area boasts a perilous terrain and beautiful scenery, making it one of the major Buddhist activity sites. According to inscriptions on stelae from various dynasties, the Guanyin Cave Temple of Shuanglong was initially built in the early Tang Dynasty and flourished during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Historical records also indicate that in the early Liao Dynasty, Yelü Bei, the Eastern Tan Prince and heir to the Liao throne, went into seclusion at Wanghaitang. He once hid troops in the Guanyin Cave to guard against potential harm from his younger brother, Emperor Taizong Yelü Deguang. As a result, the Guanyin Cave of Shuanglong Temple began to be called the "Troop-Hiding Cave" during the Liao Dynasty. In November of the fourth year of the Qianheng era (982 AD) of Emperor Jingzong of Liao, the Qianzhou City was established near Shuanglong Temple, and its ruins can still be found today. The Guanyin Cave Temple of Shuanglong has a history of over 1,400 years, having been built in the early Tang Dynasty and renovated through the Liao, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, and the Republic of China.

The Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area is famed for its two ancient natural caves in the upper courtyard. The upper cave faces south, with an entrance 5 meters high, 15 meters wide, and 10 meters deep. Inside, the cave is ancient and mysterious, with glimmering ice water, a constant cool temperature in both summer and winter, and no disturbances from insects—making it an ideal spot for exploration. There was originally a sloping cave inside, about half the size of a room, extending deep into the unknown. Ancient legends claimed, "the front cave connects to the back cave," suggesting this slope could lead directly to Daoyingu Valley (the Big Stone Shed) in the Dayue Scenic Area. However, the cave entrance has been sealed, leaving this unverifiable. The upper cave once housed a main hall with three rooms, featuring a flush-gable wooden structure. The walls on both sides of the hall originally had large murals. The lower cave is located 70 meters away from the upper cave, facing west and east, resembling sister caves that echo each other. Its entrance is 8 meters high, 20 meters wide, and 5 meters deep, shaped like a horn—wide at the mouth and narrow inside, sheltered from wind and open to sunlight. In front of the cave lies a 25-meter-long and 7-meter-wide platform made of granite, where three ancient pine trees once stood: two forming a "gate-facing pair" and one a "single-incense pine." These trees were destroyed during a certain period. Standing on the platform and looking east, the ancient city of Guangning is fully visible; looking closer, you’ll see stretches of orchards and seas of verdant pines. The lower cave once had a main hall with three rooms, measuring 9 meters in width and 6 meters in depth, topped with a single-eave flush-gable roof.

Embedded in the cliff face above the upper courtyard of the Guanyin Cave of Shuanglong Temple is a merit stele from the 20th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1592). Suspended on the cliff, the stele was spared from war and looting. However, a bullet hole from a rifle left a round mark in the upper right corner, with surrounding cracks causing some characters to become blurred. The stele is made of dark purple sedimentary sandstone, 15 cm thick, 1.2 meters square, and contains 210 characters. The inscription describes General Li, who "refused to marry for thirty years, devoted himself to Buddhist practice, shaved his head, entered the mountain temple, and took the name Shuanglong." This eminent monk "practiced diligently for over thirty years" to build Shuanglong Temple, which was thus named after his dharma name. Due to bullet damage and over four hundred years of weathering, the phrase "the virtuous monk Xingben, also known as Guangning □ Marquis Li □□ Bo," is missing three characters, shrouding the true identity of the monk Shuanglong in mystery.

In the Guanyin Cave Valley of the northern lower courtyard of Shuanglong Temple, beneath the north mountain ridge in the northwest direction of Immortal Valley, there are five well-preserved Liao Dynasty stone-carved Buddha statues. Each statue is approximately 2 meters tall and 5 meters wide, with three seated and two standing figures—namely Sakyamuni Buddha (center), Amitabha Buddha (left), Bhaisajyaguru Buddha (right), and the two disciples Ānanda and Kāśyapa (standing on either side of Sakyamuni). The carvings are exquisitely detailed, lifelike, with colors still faintly visible and forms clearly distinguishable. These are the best-preserved Liao Dynasty cliff carvings within the city’s territory.

To the northwest and above Shuanglong Temple lies the renowned Shihu Mountain. At its summit is a natural stone lake, known as the West Shihu. The lake retains water year-round, and during the rainy season, rainwater and spring water gather, resulting in crystal-clear waters with murmuring streams. Reed beds thrive along the shores, accompanied by the chirping of insects and birds—an absolutely breathtaking sight.

The Guanyin Cave Valley of Shuanglong Temple stretches five Chinese miles from east to west. Towering trees and lush grasses line both banks, while birdsong and insect chirps enhance the profound serenity. Within the valley lies an ageless mountain spring, flowing continuously for millennia. It never freezes in winter and offers a refreshing chill in summer. The spring water is exceptionally clear and sweet. During the rainy season, the stream becomes crystal-clear with plump fish and shrimp, making it a true blessed land of verdant hills and pristine waters.

Bizarre Rocks All Around

The area surrounding Shuanglong Temple is dotted with oddly shaped rocks. Some resemble divine turtles lying on mountain ridges; others look like human feet sprouting atop peaks. On the southwest ridge of the Guanyin Cave, there is a unique peak formed naturally by several oddly shaped massive rocks, appearing as if a flying boulder perches precariously on the ridge—known as the Falling Rock Peak. On the northern ridge of the valley stands a giant rock approximately 15 meters high, 18 meters long, and 3 meters wide, closely resembling a massive dragon head. Perched atop the mountain, it gazes toward Yuquan Lake, seemingly yearning to return to the water—thus nicknamed "Azure Dragon Gazing at Yuquan." Upon closer inspection, its form and spirit are remarkably vivid, a true masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship.

The Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area features stunning landscapes and peculiar peaks, embraced by ancient towering trees that enhance the tranquility of its extraordinary caves. On sunny days, sunlight filters through the ancient pines, making them glisten with verdant vibrancy. When clouds gather, the mountains are enshrouded in mist, exuding an ethereal aura, with mountaintops seemingly floating above the clouds, as if immortals or buddhas were making appearances. After rain, the mountains appear fresh and green, with clear streams babbling. In spring, pear blossoms blanket the valley like snow, competing with peach and plum blossoms, while apricot flowers herald the season. In summer, lush trees and thriving grasses fill the air with the fragrance of wildflowers, attracting bees and butterflies without fear of visitors. Autumn brings ripe fruits whose aroma intoxicates the senses, alongside red fruits and golden leaves, creating an overwhelmingly beautiful scene. In deep winter, the landscape turns into a frost-carved wonderland, with mountains resembling glass pagodas and trees like white-bearded elders.

The Shuanglong Temple Scenic Area is rich in historical relics, ancient sites, and spectacular peaks and beauty spots, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking ancient wonders. This attraction will also become a highlight of any journey through Yiwulu Mountain.

Address: Guanyin Cave Village, Guangning Township, Beizhen City

Phone: 0416-6608077

Transportation: Bus from Beizhen to National Forest Park

Tips:

1. Best Travel Season: March to November

2. Dining: Dayangzhao Mountain City

3. Nearby Accommodation: Dayangzhao Mountain City Farmhouse & Qianshan Hotel

4. Nearby Attractions: 6 km from the Great Guanyin Pavilion Scenic Area, 5 km from the National Forest Park Scenic Area