Qiding Longtan Temple

Qiding Longtan Temple

Qiding Longtan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Qiding Longtan Temple is located in Weiyuan Town, Kaiyuan City, Liaoning Province. It was first built in the early years of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty by Master Yanzhi, boasting a history of over 250 years. It is now a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit and a provincial forest park.

The natural surroundings of Longtan Temple are quite legendary. The mountain it sits on is part of the continuation of the Hadaling Range, a branch of the Changbai Mountains. The mountain has seven peaks that encircle it like a ring, with only one mountain pass on the east side serving as the sole entrance to the temple. Each of the seven peaks has its own name, starting from the north side of the eastern gate and moving clockwise: Gu Yue (Osmanthus Moon), Ling Xiao (Soaring Heights), Fu Yun (Touching the Clouds), Die Cui (Layered Greenery), Guan Lan (Viewing Waves), Lian Hua (Lotus), and Yi Quan (One Fist). Longtan Temple is situated among these peaks, and in front of the temple there are two ponds lying side by side from east to west. They never dry up all year round—one pond is covered with lotus flowers, and the other is filled with water caltrops.

The two plants cannot thrive if transplanted elsewhere, according to local legend. It is said that two dragons dwell within the ponds, nurturing the waters, which is why they are called Dragon Ponds.

Currently, major structures within the temple complex such as the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Pavilion, and the Sangharama Hall have been fully restored. These magnificent buildings are open to visitors, and incense burning is vibrant and constant. The temple has become a renowned Buddhist destination in Northeast China. During religious ceremonies and temple fairs, hundreds of thousands of visitors come here.