Shijingshan Longquan Temple

Shijingshan Longquan Temple

Shijingshan Longquan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Longquan Temple is situated on Panlong Mountain in the northern part of Shijingshan District, about 100 meters west of the renowned Fahai Temple. It is commonly known as the "West Temple" by local residents. According to the "Inscription on the Imperial Construction of Fahai Temple" from the eighth year of the Zhengtong era (1443), the eunuch Li Tong dreamed of a blessed place, sketched it the following day, and sent people to search for it. They arrived at Shuiyu in Yuhuo Township, where the terrain matched his drawing. Upon inquiry, they found it was the ancient Longquan Temple. This indicates that Longquan Temple predates the construction of Fahai Temple in 1443 and is undoubtedly the earliest temple on Panlong Mountain.

Longquan Temple is surrounded by mountains on its east, west, and north sides, with a cliff to the south, making it sit like a grand armchair. Ancient builders paid great attention to feng shui, and from that perspective, the location of Longquan Temple is considered excellent.

The temple gets its name from the Longquan (Dragon Spring) located to its west. Spring water flows down the stone cliff and into a full well. The water flow is steady—never drying up in winter or overflowing in summer—and the water is sweet and refreshing. The existing Longquan Temple consists of three parts: the central section is the main body of the temple, a spacious and tidy courtyard complex with a broad terrace in front of the main hall, totaling over twenty rooms. In the courtyard, ancient ginkgo and cypress trees stand with a rustic vigor, estimated to be around 500 years old. The western part has a room with an especially wide terrace, which was once a favorite spot for pilgrims to enjoy tea and listen to the spring. To the right front of the terrace lies the Longquan spring.

Legend has it that Emperor Kangxi once visited Longquan Temple and had a story involving a poetic duel with the abbot.

Emperor Kangxi was eager to seek talent and was willing to employ people of all backgrounds, regardless of wealth or status, based on their abilities.

Emperor Kangxi had long heard that the old abbot of Longquan Temple in western Beijing was highly skilled in chess and that the spring water there was sweet. He had always wanted to play chess while sipping tea. One day, during an imperial outing, the emperor arrived at Longquan Temple and began a game of chess with the old abbot. True to reputation, the abbot’s chess skills were exceptional. After three consecutive games, the emperor lost them all. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he sought to challenge the abbot. Believing himself to be well-read and talented, Kangxi decided to test the abbot with a couplet challenge. The emperor said, “Elder, your chess skills are indeed well-deserved. I wish to host you for an imperial feast, but it is still early. How about we match couplets for fun and to liven the mood? What do you think?”

The old abbot rose and bowed in gratitude, saying, “I thank Your Majesty for your benevolence. This humble monk dares to ask for the upper couplet.” Kangxi pondered briefly and said, “Mountain, stone, cliff—under it, ancient wood is withered; this wood is firewood.” After giving the upper couplet, Kangxi thought to himself, “This couplet not only plays on the characters ‘cliff,’ ‘withered,’ and ‘firewood,’ but the spot where we’re sitting also faces a withered tree on the mountain peak. Crafting a fitting lower couplet won’t be easy.”

Unexpectedly, the old abbot pondered briefly and then responded fluently, “White water, spring, beside it—a maiden is fine; a young girl is wonderful.”

Kangxi was impressed by the flawless response and thought, “Could the old abbot truly be a man of talent? Then this trip will not be in vain.” He felt secretly pleased. By then, the imperial feast was ready. Kangxi pointed to two dishes of beans on the table and said, “Beans.” The monk saw a bowl of oil on the table and replied, “Oil.” Kangxi said, “Two dishes of beans,” and the monk answered, “One bowl of oil.”

Kangxi thought for a moment and then said, “Elder, you misunderstand. I was not referring to the beans on the banquet table, but to two butterflies playing among the flowers.”

The old abbot calmly responded, “Your Majesty, I was not speaking of the bowl of oil on the banquet table either, but of a duck playing in the pond.” Hearing this, Kangxi smiled and personally stood up, raising his wine cup: “I toast you with three cups of fine wine.” The old abbot could not refuse the emperor’s wish and had to drink. Later, Kangxi dined with the abbot at the same table. During the meal, they discussed Han poetry, Tang verse, Song lyrics, and Yuan opera, each offering profound insights. Kangxi was secretly delighted to have found someone who could discuss history and literature with him. Gradually, the old abbot and Emperor Kangxi became friends. The emperor often visited Longquan Temple to see him and seek advice, while the abbot frequently offered strategies for governing the nation.

If you’re interested, you can visit the spot where Emperor Kangxi played chess and exchanged couplets, and try your own hand at the refined pastime.

Transportation

Address: West of Fahai Temple, Shijingshan District, Beijing

Transportation: Take bus 311 to Modekou Station and walk west, or take bus 336 to Shougang Residential Area Station and walk east