Longquan Nunnery at Badachu

Longquan Nunnery at Badachu

is the fifth temple among the Eight Great Sites. During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, two temples coexisted here: one was Huiyun Chanlin, and the other was Longwangtang. The former was built during the Hongxi era of the Ming Dynasty, while the latter was constructed in the second year of the Shunzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty, and the two were merged into one during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty.

Longquan Nunnery faces east and sits west. Its temple gate is a flush-gable, straight-ridge entrance structure, with a bluestone plaque inscribed with the three characters “Longquan Nunnery.”

Upon entering the temple gate, there is an ornamental fenced square pool. The pool walls are built with bluestone, making them exceptionally sturdy and clean. The pool is filled with clear, azure water so transparent that it can reflect images. The water originates from an arched stone cave beneath the Dragon King Hall, then flows out from the mouth of a stone dragon head on the western wall of the square pool, pouring out in a thin, steady stream year-round. This water is the renowned “Dragon Spring.” The water of the “Dragon Spring” is sweet, pure, and crystal clear, free from any impurities. In the past, a recluse who called himself “Chu Yue Lao Ren” (Old Man Who Plucks the Moon) composed a seven-character ancient-style poem titled “Song of Sweet Water” to praise the “Dragon Spring” water of Longquan Nunnery. The “Song of Sweet Water” quickly gained widespread popularity, and the “Dragon Spring Water” became famous throughout the capital.

To the west of the courtyard, there is a hall with three bays, fronted by a single room with a rolled shed and wraparound porch. Both the hall and the porch are exquisitely and uniquely constructed. Under the porch, there is a couplet on the pillars that reads: “Mighty and awe-inspiring over dragons and water beasts, relying on the land of waters; Virtue bestowed upon rivers and seas depends on peaceful waves.” Outside the hall’s door, another couplet reads: “The holy virtue bestows grace, cleansing rain and dew; The divine might rides the blessings, revered through clouds and rainbow.” Inside the hall, there is a painted clay statue of the Dragon King, which bears a solemn expression and resembles an emperor. Beside it are statues of other deities such as the Thunder God, the Lightning Goddess, the Wind God, and the Rain God, all of which are vivid and lifelike. This hall is the “Dragon King Hall.”

The main gate of the Wenchang Pavilion faces east, with a horizontal plaque hanging in the front inscribed “Overlooking the Vast World,” and another in the back inscribed “First to Catch the Moon.” Inside the pavilion, a seated statue of Guan Yu, the “God of Martial Temples,” is enshrined. He has flowing long beard and looks majestic and imposing.

The Mahavira Hall is three bays wide. The plaque under the eaves is inscribed with “Spirit Connected to the Universe,” and the couplet on the pillars reads: “The Buddha’s virtue is towering like the bright sun in the center of the sky; The Buddha’s compassionate breeze shakes the spring thunder across the earth.” The words are written in red on a black background, appearing solemn and striking. In the center of the hall, atop a lotus throne, sits a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by the venerables Ananda and Kasyapa. All three statues were created in recent years.

Between the Mahavira Hall and the Wenchang Pavilion, to the south and west is the “Miaoxiang Chamber,” and to the east is the “Listening to the Spring Pavilion.” The pavilion is open-sided and exquisitely designed. The plaque under the eaves reads “Listening to the Waves Mountain House,” and between the pillars, there is a wooden couplet that says: “The old pine in front creates the sounds of dusk; The red leaves all over the mountain inspire new poems.” Outside the southern gate of the “pavilion,” there is another couplet: “The sound of the stream is nothing but the Buddha’s long tongue; The color of the mountain is none other than the pure body.” These lines come from the Buddhist scripture *Dharani Sutra*, perfectly capturing the charm of the streams and mountain scenery at Longquan Nunnery.

To the north of the Mahavira Hall is the “Wenmiaoxiang Courtyard,” where many flowers and trees such as pearl plum blossoms are planted. Especially notable are two ancient wisteria vines. In the transition between spring and summer, their green leaves and drooping vines, along with purple blossoms, present boundless vitality. If you can gather a few close friends to have a small drink under the shade of the vines, you will truly feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland.

Longquan Nunnery leans against Pingpo Mountain to the west and borders Cuiwei Valley to the south. Within the courtyard, tall pines and massive cypresses create a cool and refreshing atmosphere. The sound of the Dragon Spring water trickling all year round adds to the tranquility. Its serene and elegant environment is arguably the most peaceful among the Eight Great Sites.

The park has specially set up a “Longquan Tea House” within the Longquan Nunnery courtyard. The tea house boasts a beautiful environment, complete facilities, and thoughtful service, making it an excellent spot for resting while mountain climbing, enjoying tea, and admiring the mountain views.

Attraction Location

No. 3 Badachu Road, Badachu Park, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China