Stone Carvings and Statues at Longyin Temple

Stone Carvings and Statues at Longyin Temple

The stone carvings and statues at Longyin Temple are a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Longyin Temple, historically known as Longwei Temple, is located on Jiulong Mountain at an altitude of 980 meters. Surrounded by undulating green waves that stretch endlessly under the sky, where the mountain breeze stirs the rustling bamboo, creating sounds reminiscent of a dragon’s roar, it earned the name Longyin (Dragon’s Roar) Temple.

Longyin Temple is situated three kilometers northeast of the Jade Belt Corridor. The temple complex occupies 450 square meters and was constructed during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620). It originally included a main hall, lower hall, and side halls. During the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, Monk Zhanghui renovated the temple. In 1959, the temple was demolished, leaving only the foundation stones, steps, and stone gate frame. The frame bears a couplet: “Twin trees pierce the blue clouds, dragons roar and tigers growl; four sides connect to the boundless sky, revealing the edges of heaven and earth.” Forty-one Buddha statues remain at Longyin Temple today. On the lotus pedestal in the main hall sit three grand Buddha statues, solemn and dignified, exuding a majestic aura—distinct from the gentle and serene style typically seen in other temples. According to experts from Sichuan Provincial cultural departments and history museums, their style bears resemblance to those found in Tibet. The arhats on either side are carved in various poses—sitting, leaning, smiling, or deep in thought—each unique in expression. The front hall, rear hall, and two corridors also house statues of Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), Skanda (Vajrapani), and spirits. These sculptures are finely crafted, with smooth lines and vivid forms, brimming with life-like vitality.

Halfway up the mountainside beneath the back gate of Longyin Temple lies the Reclining Buddha Cave. Inside the cave is a horizontally carved stone Buddha. The year of its carving and the reason for its placement halfway up the mountain remain subjects for further exploration and research.

Protected Area: 60 meters east, 45 meters south, 15 meters west, and 45 meters north of the outer edge of the Mahavira Hall.

Construction Control Zone: 200 meters beyond the protected area.