Linqu Xuanquan Temple

Linqu Xuanquan Temple

Linqu Xuanquan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xuanquan Temple is located about one li south of Gushan Village, Shijiahe Township. The temple no longer exists—only one无名 stele and two Qing Dynasty steles remain. Historical records state that the temple was built before the Yuan Dynasty but later collapsed, and was restored after the 13th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1276). By the 2nd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1737), it featured a Buddha hall, a precious pavilion, a Skanda chamber, and monks’ quarters. The temple was renovated again in the 44th year of Qianlong (1779) and the 8th year of the Tongzhi reign (1869). It gradually fell into disuse in the late Republican period. During the Cultural Revolution, the remaining ruins and pavilion were demolished. Apart from remnants of the eastern and southern temple gates, more than ten thatched huts were built on the temple site. At the foot of the steep cliff to the northwest of the courtyard, the hanging spring still remains, with water dripping down into a small pool. The sheer cliff faces south, standing about 20 meters high and stretching roughly 100 meters east to west. At the base of the cliff grow several thick vines, the largest of which have a diameter of over 30 cm and reach heights of around 30 meters. These vines climb up along the steep rock face. Among the cliffside also grow ancient cypresses, mountain elms, and coptis plants, all weathered and graceful, with vines twining around their trunks and branches all the way up to the treetops. In early summer, the wisteria blossoms bloom in vivid colors.

To the west of the spring lies a bamboo grove of about 1.5 mu. In the courtyard stand two towering ginkgo trees, heavy with fruit, and one ancient-looking pine tree with deep green foliage. Just outside the southern gate of the courtyard, a pine tree leans at the edge of an embankment, with two main trunks extending horizontally, their dense branches forming a flat, mat-like canopy. Many visitors sit on the trunk to enjoy the mountain view. At the base of the pine’s roots grows a persimmon tree with a broad crown that shades the pine above—hence the pine is called the “Shadowless Pine.”

Though few ancient relics remain at Xuanquan Temple, the surrounding mountains are now covered with lush fruit trees that bloom in spring and bear fruit in autumn, creating a unique landscape. As the couplet on the thatched hut reads: “When spring arrives, flowers bloom like a sea; when autumn comes, fruits hang heavy on the branches.” Another couplet says: “Flowers bloom as people wish; fruits ripen for guests to taste.”

Xuanquan Temple is one of the eight famous scenic spots of old Linqu County, named for being built beside a hanging spring. The temple’s incense-burning day falls annually on the third day of the third lunar month. On this day, many worshippers visit, both locals and pilgrims from elsewhere. Among them are devout Buddhists, especially those from Linyi who are particularly reverent. Many others come simply to sightsee, often strolling along, pausing occasionally to admire the scenery before moving on, sometimes offering a friendly smile if they cross paths with you. Most of these visitors are young men and women.

The temple faces east. Upon entering, one sees rows of solemn and orderly ancient buildings along the north and south sides of the western courtyard. The stones used in the construction were mostly quarried from nearby mountains or surface rock

Source: Buddhist Navigation