Tang Locust Tree Courtyard

Tang Locust Tree Courtyard

The Tang Locust Tree Courtyard is located in the southwest corner of the temple and is named after the ancient locust tree from the Tang Dynasty growing within it. Originally, the tree was tall and lush, providing shade over an area of about an acre, but it died during the Republican era. In 1952, a new locust tree was planted inside the hollow of the dead tree, and now it has grown into a luxuriant, spreading tree — commonly known as the "Tang Locust Embracing Its Child." Under the tree stands a large stele inscribed with the character "Tang" (唐), written by Gan Yiji in the Ming Dynasty during the Wanli era, as well as a stele engraved with the "Tang Locust Tree Poem" by Zhang Penghe from the Qing Dynasty.

To the north of the Tang Locust Tree lies the former site of the Yanxi Hall, originally dedicated to the deity Yanxi Zhenren. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, structures such as the Chengming Hall, Guanbin Hall, Imperial Incense Pavilion, kitchen, bathhouse, and surrounding corridors were built north of the hall. In the Ming and Qing periods, on the ruins of these structures, additional buildings were erected, including the Huan Yong Pavilion, Scripture Storage Hall, and Ban Hall. The walls of the Huan Yong Pavilion were inlaid with famous stelae from various dynasties, including works by renowned figures such as Han Qi, Cai Xiang, Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, and Shi Manqing. During the Republican era, the hall, pavilions, and other structures were destroyed, and most of the ancient stone tablets were defaced, damaged, or lost. In 1984, a replica of an ancient arched-roof, hip-and-gable style circular cultural relics storage building was constructed here, housing thousands of cultural relics and over 30,000 ancient books.

The Tang Locust Tree Courtyard is situated to the west of Dai Temple, opposite the Han Cypress Courtyard on the east side. It originally had the Yanxi Hall, formerly referred to as the Yanxi Hall Courtyard. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, the hall was no longer in use, and the courtyard became known as the Tang Locust Tree Courtyard due to the ancient Tang-era locust tree growing there. Originally, the tree was tall and lush, providing shade over an area of about an acre, but it died during the Republican era. In 1952, a new locust tree was planted inside the hollow of the dead tree, and now it has grown into a luxuriant, spreading tree — commonly known as the "Tang Locust Embracing Its Child."

Under the tree stands a large stele inscribed with the character "Tang" (唐), written by Gan Yiji in the Ming Dynasty during the Wanli era, as well as a stele engraved with the "Tang Locust Tree Poem" by Zhang Penghe from the Qing Dynasty. A stele with an inscription personally handwritten by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty stands to the west: "In those years, when the locust tree of the Li family bore buds like rabbit eyes, its gnarled old trunk leaned by the spring steps. When will the day come that its green leaves grow in unison, so I may rest my head high and dream fine dreams akin to those of Emperor Fuxi?" The courtyard is planted with many locust trees, filling the air with fragrance in spring and summer. The Hundred-Stele Wall, Ancient Locust Shade Hill, and Fragrant Locust Pool, along with the potted plants dotted around, create a uniquely charming atmosphere.