Hall of the King of Medicine

　　   To commemorate Sun Simiao (581–680), a renowned physician of the Tang Dynasty, construction of the Hall of the King of Medicine began in the early Tang period. The original site was situated on the horseback ridge of Ma’anshan, 30 meters south of Yuping Peak. After multiple renovations, it was relocated during the Ming Dynasty to its current position on the northern slope of Yuping Peak. Legend has it that Sun was bestowed the title “King of Medicine” by the imperial court after curing the illness of an empress. In the process of compiling his medical masterpiece, Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, he traveled across the country and once came to Longshan Mountain to gather herbs and write, completing parts of the manuscript there.

　　   Upon arriving at Longshan, Sun Simiao was captivated by the abundant medicinal herbs and breathtaking scenery. He settled in a village at the foot of the mountain, spending his days climbing to taste herbs, collect medicinal recipes, and immerse himself in pharmaceutical research, healing ailments and easing pain for local residents. One day, while gathering herbs, he encountered a funeral procession, with an elderly woman grieving bitterly. Noticing fresh blood seeping from beneath the coffin, Sun quickly inquired about the deceased. The woman tearfully replied, “It’s my poor daughter; she died in childbirth!” Sun asked, “How long has she been dead?” The woman answered, “Only a few hours.” After a moment of thought, Sun told the old woman, “From the blood seeping from the coffin, your daughter still has a chance of survival.” Overjoyed, the woman urged that the coffin be opened. Sun then took out silver needles and inserted them into specific acupoints. The young woman slowly opened her eyes and regained consciousness, and soon after, the baby was born with a loud cry. From then on, the name “King of Medicine” spread far and wide across Longshan. His humble thatched cottage became a bustling place as people flocked to seek treatment. The King of Medicine treated all, regardless of wealth or status, free of charge, winning deep love and respect from the community.

　　   After the King of Medicine passed away, the people of Longshan built a Hall of the King of Medicine at the site where he had prepared herbal remedies and alchemical elixirs, contributing funds or labor to honor this divine healer who saved countless lives. They visited regularly to offer incense and pay homage. Though the original hall has been destroyed, remnants such as its foundation and bricks still remain.

　　   The Hall of the King of Medicine rebuilt in the early Ming Dynasty featured grand architecture with rugged, solid craftsmanship. The entire complex covered more than 1,000 square meters, consisting of main structures such as the mountain gate, main hall, monks’ quarters, and guest rooms. To withstand wind and rain, the exterior walls were built with massive strip stones and square blocks, intricately and tightly stacked. The paintings and calligraphy on the walls, despite the passage of time, remain clearly visible. The roof was covered with iron tiles measuring 30 cm in length, 20 cm in width, and 1 cm in thickness, showcasing unique craftsmanship.

　　   In front of the mountain gate lies a lush lawn stretching 30 meters long and 4 meters wide, connected to the gate by nine stone steps. The mountain gate is ancient and majestic, featuring a large arched stone gate 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. Two finely carved stone lions sit atop stone plinths on either side of the gate, lifelike and vivid. Above the arch is inscribed four powerful characters: “Birthplace of Southern Splendor.” On the sides of the gate are two couplets: “Vast landscapes inspire breath and repose; seasonal blossoms embody spirit;” and “Celestial palaces birth life, the firmament pens clouds and stars; Creation’s divine art adorns immortal dew on golden stems.” Nearby lies a large bluestone slab known as the “Book-Drying Stone.” Legend says Sun Simiao once used it to dry his medical texts.

　　   Walking about ten meters along the stone path through the mountain gate leads to the main hall. Stone pathways on both sides open into flat areas, each containing a stone-built, tower-like incense burner emitting year-round wisps of fragrant smoke. Flanking the flat areas are two rows of buildings that offer lodging for pilgrims. The main entrance to the hall is an arched stone gate, with a half-crouching stone lion on each side. Above the gate hangs a horizontal plaque inscribed with three characters: “Hall of the King of Medicine.” The door frame features carvings including “Double Phoenixes Facing the Sun,” “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl,” and “Two Lions Contending for a Treasure.” Passing through the walkways on either side of the courtyard leads to the main hall. Four towering stone pillars, each 9 meters high, support the roof. At the front is a shrine, with a grand statue of the King of Medicine in the center, flanked by statues of the Dragon General and Tiger General, as well as numerous Buddha figures, all gilded and resplendent.

　　   Folklore tells the story of how the King of Medicine recruited the Dragon and Tiger Generals. One day, while gathering herbs on Longshan, the Third Prince of the Dragon King, disguised as a commoner, sought the King of Medicine for treatment. After taking his pulse, the King said, “Your pulse is not that of a human; you must reveal your true form before I can prescribe medicine.” The prince had no choice but to transform back into a dragon. The King of Medicine removed parasites lodged between the dragon’s scales one by one. Fully recovered, the dragon willingly chose not to return to the dragon palace, vowing to serve the King of Medicine forever. This is the tale of “The King of Medicine Gains the Dragon.” Soon after, a tiger spirit from Longshan also appeared in human form seeking treatment. After feeling its pulse, the King remarked, “This is not the pulse of a human; show me your true form.” The tiger spirit revealed itself, and upon examination, the King scolded, “You wicked beast, harming people everywhere, even with a human bone stuck in your throat. Open your mouth—I’ll remove the bone, but you must never harm anyone again.” As the King removed the bone, the tiger felt light and free, expressing gratitude: “I am forever grateful for saving my life. I wish to become your disciple and serve you for life.” Thus, the King gained the Tiger General. Ever since, the Dragon and Tiger Generals have served loyally by the King of Medicine’s side for generations.

　　   Flanking the main hall are several monks’ rooms, and in the last room on the right is a square stone well roughly one square meter in size. Its water is crystal clear — “a thousand may drink and it never runs dry, one may use it and it never overflows.” Located atop a lonely mountain peak at over 1,500 meters above sea level, this perennial spring is a rare marvel, referred to as the “Immortal Well.” In the past, worshippers often asked elders for blessings from its waters, hoping for disaster relief and longevity.

　　   The hall also houses 3,000 practical prescriptions by Sun Simiao and various secret formulas accumulated through the ages, all possessing miraculous curative effects. Countless patients with difficult and stubborn illnesses have recovered, and some even returned to life after taking his remedies. Consequently, pilgrims continue to flock here to burn incense and seek medical help, a tradition that remains strong and enduring.