Yuanyuan Temple in Yuan'an

Yuanyuan Temple in Yuan'an

Yuanyuan Temple in Yuan'an is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yuanyuan Temple is situated in Yuanyuan Mountain, fifteen li northwest of Yuan'an County. According to the Tongzhi County Annals, the temple was first built in the first year of the Baoying era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1225 AD). This place boasts fragrant orchids in secluded valleys, birdsong echoing through the mountains, steep and rugged peaks, and beautiful streams, offering enchanting scenery that was once hailed as one of the world’s famous mountains by Nostradamus (the prophet). During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Liang Dynasty hermit Lu Fafa from Jing Mountain once lived in seclusion here before later serving as the Minister over the Masses (equivalent to the position of prime minister) of the Liang State, achieving great accomplishments.

The area where Yuanyuan Temple is located features danxia landform, but unlike the typical red conglomerate rocks, the danxia here is uniquely shaped—like two dragons lying prone, with protrusions and indentations standing opposite each other. The protrusions form barriers that divert wind and block cold, while the indentations create hollows that gather wind and decomposed wood. The Luxi River, originating from deep within the mountains, is clear and sweet. As it flows gently past Yuanyuan, it nourishes the fertile land all year round, ensuring the area remains shaded by dense forests, rich in rainfall, and often enveloped in mist.

Hidden within Yuanyuan Temple is a true gem: Yuanyuan Tea. This tea belongs to the yellow small-leaf category and has a remarkably unique flavor. It features a golden-yellow hue beneath, with visible white fuzz. When brewed, the tea liquor is bright greenish-yellow, and the tea leaves curl into ring-like shapes, resembling crescent moons curving inward—commonly referred to as “ring feet.” The tea's internal qualities include a long-lasting, natural, and mellow fragrance, with a taste that is rich, sweet, and cool, perfectly balanced in strength. According to the Tongzhi County Annals of the Qing Dynasty: “The Marquis of An Yi rested here and inquired about the tea. The monks replied: the locals harvest it sparingly, and little remains.” By the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, Yuanyuan Tea was selected as a “tribute tea,” honored with the imperial name “Haoyin Tea.” In the ninth year of the Guangxu era, the 45th-generation monk of the Linji school, Jintian, traveled here to preach and composed a poem for Yuanyuan Tea: “The essence of mountain spirits and stone sap surpasses all; a single fragrance intoxicates the senses. Not only does it clear the heart and brighten the eyes, but it also helps suppress drowsiness during meditation.”

Yuanyuan Tea tastes excellent, but its production process is extremely meticulous. The picking of fresh leaves is highly demanding. The harvesting period generally falls within fifteen days before and after the Qingming Festival. The leaves must be tender, fresh, uniform, clean, plump, and covered with fuzz, and must not include fish leaves, old leaves, or tea fruits. The picking standard is one bud with one leaf or one bud with two leaves just beginning to unfold. After picking, the leaves are lightly bruised and then spread out to wither. The production of Yuanyuan Tea is very refined, involving multiple processes such as fixation, pan-firing, piling, sorting, redrying, and rolling. The finest teas require master tea makers. According to tea-making experts, the piling process is crucial in forming the unique qualities of Yuanyuan Tea. The tea leaves are piled tightly in bamboo trays, covered with a damp cloth, and left to pile for 5–6 hours to promote their yellowing. Although Yuanyuan Tea has been around for hundreds of years, its color remains unchanged, its flavor undiminished, and its aroma unfaded. This is entirely thanks to the local people’s simple and honest traditions and the fine handcraftsmanship.

Since ancient times, it has been a scenic destination in Yuan'an, inspiring many poets and scholars, the most famous being the “Eight Scenic Spots of Yuanyuan” poem jointly composed by literati such as Zhang Qianying of the Ming Dynasty:

A jade belt winds around the azure stream (Seven Bends of the Jade Belt),

Heaven unveils a secluded brocade screen (One Peak of the Brocade Screen),

Bamboo by the stream droops like clouds (Bamboo and Stream in the Gorge),

Pine and vines by the pavilion hook the moon (Pine Pavilion Calling the Wind),

Stone pillars truly display myriad forms (Stone Pillars Piercing the Sky),

The ancient terrace forgets the cycle of spring and autumn (Ancient Terrace of the Lotus Sutra),

Peaks cradle seated arhats (Arhats Nodding in Agreement),

Laughing as they nod toward the immortal-summoning cliff (Cliff Beckoning Immortals).