Longju Temple in Shifang

Longju Temple in Shifang

Longju Temple in Shifang is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Longju Temple in Shifang is located at the foot of Longju Mountain in Jian Di Town, approximately 23 kilometers northwest of downtown Shifang. Originally built during the Sui Dynasty, it was later renovated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty and completed in the third year of the Guangxu reign through fundraising and reconstruction efforts led by monks Yuezhang and Yuanzhong. The temple has retained its original scale and layout to this day. It currently covers an area of 23,450 square meters, with a built-up area of 4,200 square meters.

Longju Temple in Shifang is widely renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The wooden carvings and painted artworks feature diverse themes and techniques, while the brick carvings and stone engravings showcase vivid forms and exquisite craftsmanship. The couplets contain philosophical words that are thought-provoking. One of the temple’s famous couplets reads: “In worldly affairs, conceding one move does not mean defeat; in the heart’s field, embracing all rivers reflects true tolerance.”

Longju Temple in Shifang boasts a long history and is mentioned in many historical texts and classics such as Fangyu Shenglue and Records of Scenic Spots in Shu. It is honored as the “Summer Retreat Palace of the King of Shu” because historical records note that Meng Chang, the king of the Later Shu, once visited the temple with his favorite concubine, Lady Huarui, to escape the summer heat. This makes Longju Temple one of the rare ancient sites in Sichuan related to the Later Shu. Notably, there is an ancient ginkgo tree with both male and female parts, whose canopy provides broad shade. Legend says it was planted by Lady Huarui and has witnessed the thousand-year history of Longju Temple.

Protected Area: East to the eastern wall of Longju Temple; South to the southern wall of Longju Temple; West to the western wall of Longju Temple; North to the riverbank to the north of Longju Temple.

Construction Control Zone: Extend 20 meters outward from the western, southern, and northern edges of the protected area, and extend eastward to Weishan Canal.