Longquan Temple in Luquan

Longquan Temple in Luquan

Longquan Temple in Luquan is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Hebei Province.

Longquan Temple is located on Longquan Mountain in Han Zhuang Village, Shangzhuang Town, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, approximately 14 kilometers east of Shijiazhuang. The temple’s scenic spots — Dragon Well, Dragon Claw Locust Tree, Dragon Pond, and Dragon Spring — all bear the character “龙” (dragon), which is associated with the high-quality spring water found here, hence the name Longquan (Dragon Spring). In ancient times, a temple was built here, leading to flourishing incense offerings. Longquan Temple was first built in the second year of the Zhenglong era of the Jin Dynasty (1157), constructed by Monk Jingchen. It was renovated in the second year of the Dading era (1162) and officially decreed as Longquan Temple.

Although not large in scale, according to inscriptions within the temple, it is described as “east connecting Cui Ping, west linking Wu Zhai, south bordered by Feng Long, and north adjacent to the Hutuo River. Its foundation, layout, scale, and atmosphere rank it as the foremost rising area in Shiyi.” Historically, it has been repaired and expanded during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it one of the ancient temples still extant near Shijiazhuang. At its peak, Longquan Temple housed over a hundred monks and owned 20 hectares of temple fields. Pilgrims came continuously from all directions. Due to various reasons, most of the temple buildings were destroyed, and it has undergone six major renovations in history.

After 1949, to promote tourism, relevant departments allocated funds for renovation, and now the temple has taken on a completely new look and is officially open to visitors.

Mountain Gate: Also known as the “Heavenly King Pavilion,” it houses statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. To the east and west sides of the gate are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Mahavira Hall: Walking north from the Mountain Gate across a bridge leads to the main hall of the temple, the Mahavira Hall, also called the “World-Honored One Hall.” At the center of the hall is a statue of Sakyamuni, with the Eighteen Arhats on the east and west sides. On the back wall behind the Sakyamuni statue is a statue of Guanyin, wearing a precious crown, adorned with necklaces, standing on a lotus pedestal, serene in expression and dignified in posture.

Dragon Well: Beyond the Mahavira Hall lies the rear courtyard of the temple. In the courtyard is a small well about two meters deep, with a diameter of around 0.5 meters at the mouth. The water surface is about one meter from the ground. The water is crystal clear, remaining full without overflowing during floods and never drying up even in droughts. For hundreds of years, it has neither run dry nor ceased flowing, hence the name “Dragon Well.” In the past, the well supplied water for the daily needs of a hundred monks, and during temple fairs, it could provide drinking water for a thousand people. In summer, the water is cool and refreshing, invigorating to drink; in winter, it is warm and sweet, not chilling to the teeth. Regular consumption leaves a lingering aftertaste and brings a sense of ease. According to inscriptions, the Dragon Well water “differs in color between winter and summer, tastes sweet and cool, and can cure illnesses.” Tests by relevant departments have shown that the water contains 16 elements, including the trace element selenium, which is said to help prevent and fight cancer. Drinking the well water is also very beneficial for the digestive system.

Dragon Claw Locust Tree: To the west of the Dragon Well stands an unusual ancient locust tree. Aged and gnarled, with a twisted trunk and bark patterned like fish scales or a dragon coiled around it, yet with lively branches and lush green leaves, it is thus named the “Dragon Claw Locust Tree.” Legend has it that long ago, the tree stood ten zhang tall with a trunk ten people could hug, but was possessed by a snake spirit, often harming people and livestock. The Azure Dragon, enraged, summoned clouds and rain, struck the tree with thunder, and split it apart. Later, it transformed into this peculiar form. This type of tree is actually rare in China, and because of its unique shape, people admire and protect it, symbolizing a beautiful aspiration.

Dragon King Hall: In the northwest corner of Longquan Temple is the “Dragon King Hall,” which houses statues of the Dragon Mother, the Four Sea Dragon Kings, the Thunder God, the Thunder Mother, and the Wind Grandma. At the center of the altar in front of the hall is a hexagonal pool called the “Dragon Pool.” The pool water is crystal clear, with five sculpted colored dragons — red, yellow, blue, white, and black — attached to the beams above. Looking down into the pool, their reflections appear to be biting and thrashing, as if flying or moving, creating a dazzling and fantastical sight. The water in the Dragon Pool comes from the Dragon Spring behind the hall, where spring water gushes from cracks in the rock face, flows through carved stone dragon heads into a hidden channel, and then into the pool inside the hall. It is said that if you stay overnight at Longquan Temple, during the quiet of the night you can hear the sound of light rain, but upon stepping outside, you see only stars, no rain. If you follow the sound, it turns out to be the sound of the Dragon Spring spurting forth. “The Dragon Pool Brings Night Rain” has become one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Luyi (formerly Lie Lu).

Sea Cone Rock: Hiking up the western side of Longquan Temple, you’ll encounter a massive rock standing proudly, as if cleaved by axe or knife, shaped like a giant cone, hence called “Sea Cone Rock.” Legend says that in the past, monks from the temple could blow a conch shell from atop this rock to send alarm signals to Longxing Temple in Zhengding City.

Monks’ Tomb Stone Pagodas: On the platform of the valley to the southeast of Longquan Temple lie five stone pagodas from the Jin Dynasty, serving as tombs for monks. Each pagoda consists of three parts: base, body, and top. The base is made of an octagonal, eight-faced carved lotus pedestal and a drum-shaped stone block. The body is an octagonal stone pillar inscribed with texts, some of which are still legible. The top has two layers: the lower part is an octagonal stone disk with relief carvings of curtains, lion heads, Buddha figures, and a circular lotus stone on top. The five pagodas vary in design and are exquisitely carved.

Resounding Stele: To the east of the monks’ tomb pagodas is the Resounding Stele. The stele is 1.5 meters tall, 0.65 meters wide, and 0.21 meters thick, carved from black jade marble. According to the inscription, it was erected in the second year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1822). When struck with a stone, it produces a clear, melodious, and lingering sound, pleasing to the ear. Even tapping it with a finger creates a humming tone, hence the name “Resounding Stele.” To protect it, a stele pavilion has been built.

Longquan Pagoda Forest Area: There are currently five monks’ tomb pagodas, the oldest dating back to 1201. Additionally, there are 11 inscribed stone tablets preserved in the temple. According to the inscriptions, the temple belonged to the Linji School of Buddhism, and its famous patriarch was Monk Jingshen.

Transportation Guide

Address: Han Zhuang Village, Shangzhuang Town, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province

Getting There: Take bus routes 游7 or 304 within Shijiazhuang City and get off at Longquan Temple Station.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units