Longquan Rock Temple Complex

Longquan Rock Temple Complex

The Longquan Rock Temple Complex is a cultural heritage site protected by the Shantou Municipal Government.

Longquan Rock is located about 1 kilometer north of Tuopu Town in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, at the point where the Sangpu Mountain Range — a branch of the Wuling Mountains — comes closest to the sea. It features numerous interconnected caves that have been frequented by literati since the Song Dynasty, who visited to compose poetry and left behind many stone inscriptions. Later generations built many temples here, especially in recent years. The area has natural springs, hence the name “Dragon Spring Rock.” In 1988, it was listed as a municipal-level cultural heritage site of Shantou. The Longquan Rock complex is divided into Upper Rock and Lower Rock. The Upper Rock is a natural cave covered by a massive boulder, which can accommodate dozens of people. The Lower Rock consists of man-made temple structures, though only ruins remain today. Nearby, there are also other structures such as “Zilai Rock,” “Shixian Pavilion,” and “Wenggong Academy.” The “Wenggong Academy” is said to be the childhood study place of Weng Wanda, a native of Pengzhou who passed the imperial examination during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era and later served as Minister of War. Since the Ming Dynasty, the rock area has been a popular scenic spot, with many poems, essays, and inscriptions left by renowned scholars and poets. Ancient stone carvings inscribed by historical visitors can still be found around Longquan Rock. There is also an ancient legend known as the “Dragon Spouting Water.” According to the tale, in ancient times, a yellow dragon, acting on the decree of the Jade Emperor to eliminate a local plague, lay atop the rocks and spat out a thin stream of spring water. The plague soon vanished, and the spring has remained ever since. Monks at the temple regard it as a precious treasure, collecting the water year-round in gourds to offer to devotees. They say: “This is dragon saliva, capable of curing illness and driving away evil. When children drink it, they grow stronger and smarter, with keener wits. When women drink it, their wishes may come true, and they may bear sons or daughters.” The spring that flows from the dragon’s mouth today is said to be the very one from the legend.

The Longquan Rock Temple is located in the Lower Rock area. It is open all day and admission is free. Vegetarian meals are available at noon.