Shijingshan Longquan Temple

　　    Longquan Temple is situated on Panlong Mountain in the northern part of Shijingshan District, approximately 100 meters west of the well-known Fahai Temple. It is commonly called the "West Temple" by local residents. According to the "Inscription of the Imperially Commissioned Fahai Temple" from the eighth year of the Zhengtong era in the Ming Dynasty (1443), the eunuch Li Tong dreamed of a blessed land. The next day, he drew the scene from his dream and sent people to search for it. They arrived at Shuiyu in Yuhuo Township, where the terrain matched the drawing. Upon inquiry, they found it was the ancient Longquan Monastery. This indicates that Longquan Temple existed as an old temple even before the construction of Fahai Temple in 1443, making it 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, giving it the appearance of sitting in 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 from the rocky cliff and gathers in 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 area is the main body of the temple, a spacious and neat courtyard with a broad terrace in front of the main hall, comprising over twenty rooms. Ancient ginkgo and cypress trees in the courtyard are sturdy and time-worn, estimated to be around 500 years old. The western section has a room with an especially wide terrace, which was once a favorite spot for visitors to enjoy tea and listen to the spring. To the right front of the terrace lies the Longquan itself.

　　    Legend has it that Emperor Kangxi once visited Longquan Temple and had an interesting anecdote involving a couplet-duel with the abbot.

　　    Emperor Kangxi was eager to recruit talent and was willing to appoint people of all backgrounds 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 enjoying tea. One day, during his travels, the emperor arrived at Longquan Temple and began a game of chess with the old abbot. The abbot’s chess skills were indeed remarkable—as they played three games, the emperor lost them all. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he sought to challenge the abbot. Confident in his own vast knowledge, Emperor Kangxi decided to test the abbot through a couplet contest. He said, “Your chess skills are truly legendary, Elder. I would like to host you for an imperial banquet, but it is still early. How about we match wits with a couplet to add some fun? What do you think?”

　　    The abbot rose and bowed in thanks, saying, “I thank Your Majesty for your benevolence. This humble monk dares to ask for the upper line.” After a moment’s thought, Kangxi said, “山石岩下古木枯，此木是柴” (“On the rock beneath the mountain and stone, the ancient wood is withered — this wood is firewood”). As he presented the line, Kangxi thought to himself: “This line not only plays on the characters ‘岩’ (rock), ‘枯’ (withered), and ‘柴’ (firewood), but also the place where we are sitting faces a withered tree on the mountaintop. Crafting a fitting response won’t be easy.”

　　    Unexpectedly, after a brief moment of contemplation, the abbot blurted out, “白水泉边女子好，少女真妙” (“By the white water spring, the maiden is good — the young girl is truly wonderful”).

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

　　    Kangxi then remarked, “Elder, you misunderstand. I was not referring to the beans on the banquet table, but to two butterflies playing among the flowers.”

　　    The abbot calmly replied, “Your Majesty, I was not speaking of the oil in the dish on the feast table either, but of a duckling playing in the pond.” Hearing this, Kangxi broke into a smile and personally raised his cup, declaring, “I toast you with three cups of fine wine.” The abbot, not daring to disobey the emperor’s wish, drank them. Later, the two shared a meal together. As they dined, they discussed Han prose, Tang poetry, Song lyrics, and Yuan opera, each offering insightful commentary. Kangxi was secretly delighted to have finally found someone who could discuss history and literature with him. Gradually, the abbot and the emperor became friends. The emperor often visited Longquan Temple to see him and seek advice, while the abbot frequently offered strategic insights for governing the nation.

　　    If you’re interested, you can visit the spot where Emperor Kangxi once played chess and composed couplets, and try your hand at scholarly playfulness.

　　    Transportation

　　    Address: West of Fahai Temple, Shijingshan District, Beijing

　　    How to get there: Take Bus 311 to Modekou Station and walk west, or take Bus 336 to Shougang Community Station and walk east