Zhuzhou Longshan Temple

Zhuzhou Longshan Temple

Zhuzhou Longshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhuzhou Longshan Temple in Hunan Province is located on Wenhua Road, Hetang District, Zhuzhou City, and is the only ancient temple remaining within the urban area of Zhuzhou. It was originally built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, rebuilt during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, and reconstructed again in the seventh year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1881). Since 2003, Master Sichan has led his disciples in the fourth reconstruction of the temple. Longshan Temple, majestic and solemn, enjoys thriving incense offerings and serves as a key religious site in Zhuzhou as well as a pilgrimage center for worshippers from both within and outside the city.

Entering from the intersection of Xinhua Road and Wenhua Road, follow the old Wenhua Road towards the Party School direction. About 300 meters before Donghuan Xincheng residential community, you’ll find an inconspicuous sign—Longshan Temple. Descend a small path downhill, and you’ll reach the destination in about two minutes.

When you stand before the Mahavira Hall of Longshan Temple, your first impression is one of awe—the grand hall stands tall atop the mountain peak. On both sides of the hall are numerous temple structures and pilgrim lodging areas, forming an impressive temple complex. Several visitors remarked that amidst the bustling city, it felt just like visiting the Nanyue Grand Temple.

The location where Longshan Temple sits is known as Longshan, a branch range of the Luoxiao Mountains. The terrain slopes gently from southeast to northwest, with a depression in the middle, surrounded by hills on the southeast, north, and east sides, while the northern part is relatively flat. From a distance, the shape of Longshan resembles a legendary dragon: the dragon’s head held high, the body robust, the form elongated, and the tail delicate. The overall contour is undulating and gracefully arranged.

Beneath Longshan lies a liberation pond. The liberation pond is designed in the shape of a lotus with a diameter of 60 meters, featuring a Guanyin platform in the center and a 9.9-meter-tall open-air dripping Guanyin statue. Its unique geographical location and long-standing historical heritage give this place an innate sense of solemnity and sanctity as a Buddhist sacred site.

According to Master Sichan of Longshan Temple, the temple was originally built during the Sui Dynasty, flourished during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, when it was bustling with traffic, crowds, and thriving incense offerings daily. In 2003, reconstruction efforts at Longshan Temple began.

The planned area covers 67 mu. During construction, two stone statues carved during the Qing Dynasty were unearthed from underground: those of Li Gong Zhenren and Zhao Gong Yuan Shuai. On May 3, 2009, Zhuzhou Longshan Temple Buddhist Cultural Park was officially named. It is currently applying for 3A-level scenic spot status.