Longtan Temple in Changning

Longtan Temple in Changning

Longtan Temple in Changning is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally called the Dragon King Temple and also known as the Dragon Cave, Longtan Temple is said to have a very unique spring. In ancient times, there was only a small trickle of water here, and during drought years, not a single drop would flow. The residents living here found it extremely difficult to get drinking water during dry spells, let alone use it for irrigation. Due to the lack of water, crops sometimes yielded almost nothing, and people could only live in hardship, struggling to have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. One year, during another severe drought, as the crops were about to wither, people flocked here in groups to pray for water. They inserted incense sticks, clasped their hands in front of their chests, and sincerely knelt on the ground with their eyes closed in prayer. Before long, the sound of flowing water seemed to be heard. When the people praying for water opened their eyes, they indeed saw two clear springs gushing out. The kind-hearted people were saved, and they cheered and jumped for joy. Since then, there have been no more water shortages in the area. The two springs spurted out from an opening about one meter in diameter and have flowed continuously ever since. Over time, this became the present-day Longtan (Dragon Pool). People believed it was protected by a dragon, so they built Longtan Temple.

The "Viewing Mountains and Listening to Springs" Pavilion rises from the center of a pond covering over 250 square meters, standing 7 meters tall and supported by 20 pillars of varying sizes. The pavilion features a strong traditional artistic style, with dragons coiled around the columns, carved flowers and plants, brick, copper tiles, and elegant eaves. It presents a majestic appearance. Standing inside the pavilion and facing the southern mountain, the entire view of Longtan Temple can be taken in—all surrounded by green mountains and lush pines, with rapidly flowing springs and rippling blue waters. The name of the "Viewing Mountains and Listening to Springs" Pavilion comes precisely from this scene. In the past, admiring the extraordinary beauty of the pavilion, someone composed a couplet inscribed in it: “Amid reed shadows, a thousand hues of green; beyond the pine waves, a stretch of blue sky.” 1981

In that year, the People's Government of Changning County allocated special funds to rebuild the surrounding embankment and renovate the ancient temple, bringing about rapid and remarkable changes that made the scenery even more enchanting. The spring water is cool and clean, flowing all year round; the embankment forms a pool as clear as a mirror; willows along the bank provide a shady green canopy; the grass is like a soft carpet; fish swim playfully in the water; and ancient pavilions stand gracefully on the water’s surface, exuding grandeur. The renovated "Viewing Mountains and Listening to Springs" Pavilion attracts even more visitors.

To date, Longtan Temple has become the largest Buddhist activity site in the county, the location of the Changning Buddhist Association, and a widely renowned scenic spot. Especially during temple fairs and holidays, large numbers of devout worshippers come here to tour and offer incense, making it bustling with activity and lively with incense smoke. Longtan Temple is now attracting both domestic and international tourists with its unique charm as the foremost wonder of southern Yunnan.

Address: 5 kilometers from Changning County Town