Linyi Black Dragon Temple

Linyi Black Dragon Temple

The Linyi Black Dragon Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Black Dragon Temple is located on Wohu Mountain at the entrance of the Qiu River in Qikou Town, at the southern end of Linyi County, Shanxi Province. It is a key cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province. According to an inscription on the bell and drum tower, which was added and repaired in the 21st year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1756), the temple was originally built during the Ming Dynasty. The music tower was added during the Yongzheng era, while the main hall and the east and west side halls were renovated during the Daoguang era. The temple complex is grand in scale and clearly impressive.

The Black Dragon Temple faces southwest and is situated against the mountain and beside the water. Along the central axis, the first structure is the mountain gate, consisting of three stone archways. In front of the gate is a three-bay entrance courtyard. Above the courtyard stands a hip-and-gable roof gate tower, a two-story structure supported entirely by eight large wooden pillars. Adjacent to the gate tower is a reverse-facing music tower (theater stage). The front and rear structures are integrated into one. The music tower features a wudian-style roof with glazed tile trimming, making it very elegant and graceful. On either side of the music tower are the bell and drum towers, which have a cross-hipped roof style. Though not large in size, they are delicate and uniquely styled.

The main hall is three bays wide and two bays deep, with a flush gable roof, and enshrines the Black Dragon King. The left and right side halls are dedicated to the River God and the God of Wealth, respectively, while other figures such as the Granary Official, Golden Dragon, and Temple Attendants each have their own place. In addition, there are 22 rooms in total, including the east and west side halls, viewing stands, and corridors.

Over the past 300 years since its establishment, the Black Dragon Temple has undergone several renovations, resulting in a rigorous, symmetrical, majestic, and well-proportioned overall architectural design. Looking up, the temple is perched precariously on the cliffs, with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an ancient and elegant charm that is truly a feast for the eyes. Leaning on the temple corridor and looking around, one can see the surging Yellow River, the murmuring Qiu River, and the ancient town of Qikou spread out below. The interplay of mountain, water, town, and temple within the grand valley of the Yellow River creates a picturesque scene, making it widely renowned across two provinces. The acoustics of the music tower are particularly remarkable—without the use of amplification equipment, the sound of performances can reach thousands of listeners with exceptional clarity, even audible for miles. Hence the saying, “The Yellow River’s roar resonates, and the Qiu River’s flow sings along.” As a result, during traditional festivals and temple fairs, visitors from towns and villages across the two provinces brave the steep mountain paths, flocking here in an endless stream.

There are currently four stone steles preserved in the temple. Among them, the stele commemorating the Daoguang guimao year (1843) renovation of the Black Dragon Temple was inscribed and written by Wang Jixian, the prefect of Yongning Prefecture. Two pairs of stone-carved couplets are inlaid on the mountain gate: “A small metropolis of abundant goods and joyful people, a grand composition of river sounds and mountain hues,” written by Cui Bingwen of the county in the second spring month of the Daoguang guimao year. Another couplet, “Mountains and rivers embrace the gathering of culture, wind and rain bring auspicious moisture to harmonize all things,” was written by Wang Jixian in the yi-si year. Wang Jixian was not only known for his literary talent but also highly accomplished in calligraphy, earning great renown in the capital. At the time, the Kingdom of Korea repeatedly sent envoys to request his inscription of the four characters “Jian Mei Ling Yan” (健美陵烟), which he readily provided, leaving the envoys fully satisfied. The Qing Emperor rewarded him with four thousand taels of silver, and people praised that “each character was worth a thousand gold pieces.”

In 1988 and 1990, with funding from the provincial cultural relics bureau and public donations, the Black Dragon Temple underwent two renovations and is now well preserved.

Phone: 0358-4467001

Fax: 0358-4466527

Address: Linyi County, Lüliang City, Shanxi Province