Mianshan Longtousi Temple

Mianshan Longtousi Temple

Mianshan Longtousi Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The main landscapes of Mianshan are distributed along the eastern foothills of Yangu Gully. From Jiexiu city center, drive along National Highway 108 to Dongxia Line, turn left shortly after passing Xihuan Village where the ancient Qin cypress stands, and you’ll reach a gently ascending 12-kilometer scenic road. After passing through the mountain gate archway inscribed with the plaque “Mianshan” written by Bo Yibo, going by Guangyan Temple, Zhusha Cave, Feihu Cave, and the former site of Lengyanhui, you will arrive at Longtousi Temple. Also known as Tayan Tou, Longtousi Temple gets its name from the empty king pagoda courtyard that once stood on the loess slope below the rock. It was later renamed to its current title when Emperor Taizong of Tang visited Mianshan to offer prayers for rain and witnessed two dragons appearing miraculously.

Longtousi Temple features over 20 attractions. These include large stone inscriptions such as “Marshal Ye Jianying on Mianshan,” “Jie Zitui Refused Rewards,” and “Qu Yuan’s Ode to Jie Zitui,” as well as sites like the Hundred Dragons Wall, Poetry Inscription Pavilion, Pujiu Hall, South Heaven Gate, Guan Di Temple, and Dragon Gate Stone Archway.

Starting from the scenic area entrance, climb the steps, pass the plaque of the Longtousi Temple archway, then look back towards the left mountain wall, and you’ll see a vast rock face with numerous coiling dragons carved into it—this is the Hundred Dragons Wall. Opposite the Hundred Dragons Wall lies the Poetry Inscription Pavilion. The South Heaven Gate is a hip-and-gable roofed pavilion-style structure, with each of its three levels offering a distinct view—it’s an ideal spot to watch sunsets, evening glow, and sea of clouds. At the exit of Longtousi Temple stands an exquisitely crafted and finely shaped Dragon Gate Stone Archway. Majestically situated at a strategic point and towering above, it is one of the iconic structures of Mianshan. Returning from the stone archway to the Poetry Inscription Pavilion, a short descent leads to the Pujiu Pavilion, which serves as the entrance to the underground palace below. The halls and statues within the palace were designed based on Jie Zitui’s wish to inspire virtue in others. The colorful clay sculptures inside were creatively produced by provincial experts, embodying the essence of both humanistic and aesthetic values—an intriguing sight for those interested.

Location

Mianshan Scenic Area, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province