Han Yin Bodhisattva Spring

　　The renowned Han Yin Bodhisattva Spring is located in the middle section of Longgang, north of the county town. It is famous for a unique mountain spring that has been shrouded in mystery, becoming an age-old enigma. Moreover, because climbing here offers a panoramic view of the entire county town and the picturesque fields along the Yue River, it has become a popular leisure destination for enjoying the scenery. On the original temple gates were stone-carved couplets that read: “Three hundred li of rivers and mountains—whose painting is this from what year? Thousands of households’ smoke and fire—all gathered in these towers.” This depicts the splendid scenery of the Bodhisattva Spring in days gone by. Throughout the dynasties, literati and poets who visited here left behind numerous poems and paintings, expressing their endless admiration. Qian Kunxiu, a notable scholar of the late Qing Dynasty, once wrote a poem about his visit to the Bodhisattva Spring: “Many times I sought out seclusion in this scenic place, where lush, vibrant air gathers near the town. The spring’s sound sprays from the ravine with a uniquely pleasant tone, while the grass, veiled in mist, appears almost colorless. Ancient trees glow in the setting sun before my eyes, and a small bridge spans the stream by the hillside. Who could count all the beautiful scenes on Longgang? This is truly a painted paradise akin to Penglai.”

　　The earliest Bodhisattva Spring consisted of just a clear pool of cool, refreshing water that attracted passersby. The 1680 *Han Yin County Annals* of the Qing Dynasty described it as: “Nestled against the hillside as an earthen cave, over ten feet high, about two zhang deep and wide. The top is covered with soil, neither collapsing nor eroding. The spring gushes from the dragon’s mouth, gathering into a pool that moistens both walls without overflowing.” Longgang is not high and is an isolated hill, so why does a cool, refreshing spring appear midway up its southern slope—one that never dries up in winter or summer, never overflows or dries out, and never collapses? Where does the spring water come from? Many generations tried to find an answer but none succeeded, so it was simply called the “Dragon Spring,” and a Temple of the Earth God was built there. During the Ming Dynasty, in a year of severe drought, people carried torches, danced with dragon puppets, fired mountain cannons, and brought incense and paper offerings to pray sincerely for rain at the Dragon Spring. By coincidence, “their prayers were answered with timely rain,” and a heavy downpour saved the parched crops. The people rejoiced and celebrated, believing it was the Bodhisattva holding a pure vase, dripping water onto the human world to relieve their suffering. Thus, the Dragon Spring was renamed Bodhisattva Spring, and halls were built to enshrine the Bodhisattva and the Dragon King. In a certain year during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, when southern Shaanxi suffered prolonged drought, withered grass, and widespread famine, Han Yin alone received occasional rainfall and was spared the disaster. Qian Henian, the magistrate of the Han Yin Subprefecture at the time, believed this was a blessing bestowed by the Bodhisattva. He organized the public to donate materials and funds, launching large-scale construction to build a main hall with a brick-and-timber structure, a hip-and-gable roof, and a flush gable ridge. The ridges were adorned with vividly sculpted figures and animals, and the main buildings were painted and colored, making the whole structure resplendent. Later, additional structures were added, including a gate tower, wing rooms, “Moon Over Osmanthus in the Middle,” “Secluded Forest by the Water Hall,” the “Ten-Thousand-Year Theater,” and a painted wooden memorial archway. In 1934 (the 23rd year of the Republic of China), the Hundred Sons Gate and Hundred Sons Hall were newly built. Afterward, the temple was refurbished, a tin-silver dragon was installed at the mouth of the Dragon Spring, and the spring water dripped from the dragon’s mouth. Flower stands and potted plants were placed along the paths, remaining green all year round. A temple fair was held annually on the 19th day of the second lunar month, featuring five days of performances of Han Opera, creating a lively atmosphere. In 1936 (the 25th year of the Republic of China), the forest area of one hundred mu around the Bodhisattva Spring was renovated, pavilions and gazebos were built within the woods, winding paths were laid out, and the whole area was refurbished, turning the Bodhisattva Spring scenic area into a serene retreat surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, birdsong, floral fragrance, and secluded paths. During the Anti-Japanese War, a monument to anti-Japanese heroes was erected, and the main path of the scenic area was widened, with additional pavilions and stone tables added. At sunset, visitors flocked to the site.

　　During the Cultural Revolution, the Bodhisattva Spring suffered devastating destruction. Starting from the end of the last century, restoration and reconstruction of the main hall of the Bodhisattva Spring began. A Temple of the Medicine King and a Temple of Duke Tang were also built against the mountain. Reforestation and greening projects were implemented in the scenic area, and supporting facilities such as a thousand-step staircase and viewing platforms were constructed. Today, climbing less than 200 meters up the ancient-tree-shaded thousand-step staircase, you’ll suddenly come upon a large platform. Under the dense shade of old trees, visitors rest, admire the beautiful views of the county town, ponder the stories depicted in the reliefs, and listen to the distant tolling of bells and drums from the halls. Entering the main hall and scooping up a handful of the sweet spring water from the Dragon Pool to drink will instantly refresh your spirit. As the inscription on the stele in front of the hall reads: “The mountains are steep and perilous, the city is noisy—but here alone can you relax and leisurely explore, keeping a peaceful state of mind. Swallows and orioles dance among the flowers, celestial music and Buddhist chants drift through the air.”