Longquan Taoist Temple in Kunming
Overview of Longquan Taoist Temple
Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观) is a historic Taoist temple located at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山), about 12 kilometers north of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. The temple’s history dates back to the Hongwu Era in 1395 during the Ming Dynasty. According to the “Record of Longquan Mountain Taoist Monastery” (《龙泉山道院记》), the temple was constructed on the orders of Mu Ying (沐英), the Duke of Xiping. He chose the elevated terrain for the temple and appointed the Taoist priest Xu Rixian (徐日暹) as its head. Later, the renowned Taoist master Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然), also known as Changchun Zhenren (长春真人), came to Yunnan and stayed at Longquan Temple to promote Taoist teachings.
During the Qing Dynasty, the temple underwent several major renovations. Under the reign of Emperor Kangxi, high-ranking officials such as Fan Chengxun (范承勋), the Governor of Yunnan-Guizhou, Wang Jiwen (王继文), the Provincial Governor, and Xu Hongxun (许弘勋), the Provincial Judicial Commissioner, oversaw the temple’s restoration. Later, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, additional repairs were carried out by the Governor Cen Yuying (岑毓英) and Provincial Governor Du Ruilian (杜瑞联).
The temple complex includes several notable halls, such as the Patriarch Hall (祖师殿), dedicated to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾), the Hall of the Northern Pole (北极殿), the Thunder God Hall (雷神殿), the Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), the Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), and the Doumu Pavilion (斗姥阁).
Notable Features of Longquan Taoist Temple
One of the most remarkable features of Longquan Temple is its collection of ancient trees, which include the Tang Dynasty plum trees (唐梅), Song Dynasty cypresses (宋柏), Yuan Dynasty fir trees (元杉), and Ming Dynasty tea trees (明茶). These trees reflect the long history of the temple and its surroundings.
Another notable artifact is a bronze cauldron weighing over 2,000 jin (about 1,200 kilograms), cast during the Daoguang Era of the Qing Dynasty. The temple also houses a pavilion containing over 20 stone steles from the Ming Dynasty onward. Some of the most famous inscriptions include the “Tang Mei Stele” (唐梅碑) by Li Shiyao (李侍尧) from Korea, the “Biography of Zhang Sanfeng” Stele (张三丰行状碑), and the “Talisman Stele” (符箓碑) by Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然). These inscriptions are precious historical records and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Longquan Temple.
Key Details
- Name: Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观)
- Location: 12 km north of Kunming, at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山)
- Built: 1395, Hongwu Era of the Ming Dynasty
- Founder: Mu Ying (沐英), Duke of Xiping
- Significant Figures: Xu Rixian (徐日暹), Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然), Fan Chengxun (范承勋), Wang Jiwen (王继文), Cen Yuying (岑毓英), Du Ruilian (杜瑞联)
Attractions Within the Temple
Historical Halls and Pavilions
- Patriarch Hall (祖师殿): Dedicated to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾), a renowned Taoist figure.
- Hall of the Northern Pole (北极殿): Dedicated to the god of the North Star.
- Thunder God Hall (雷神殿): Honors the Thunder God, an important figure in Taoist mythology.
- Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿): Devoted to the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism.
- Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁): Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven in Taoism.
- Doumu Pavilion (斗姥阁): Honors Doumu, a goddess in Taoism associated with the stars.
Ancient Trees and Artifacts
- Ancient Trees: Tang Dynasty plum trees, Song Dynasty cypresses, Yuan Dynasty fir trees, and Ming Dynasty tea trees are all part of the temple grounds.
- Bronze Cauldron: A 2,000-jin bronze cauldron cast during the Daoguang Era, a rare and impressive artifact.
- Stele Pavilion: Houses over 20 steles from various periods, including:
- “Tang Mei Stele” (唐梅碑) by Li Shiyao (李侍尧)
- “Biography of Zhang Sanfeng” Stele (张三丰行状碑)
- “Talisman Stele” (符箓碑) by Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然)
Travel Information
How to Get There
- Address: South gate of Heilongtan Park (黑龙潭公园), 100 meters from the entrance, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province
- Public Transportation: Take bus routes 9 or 79 and get off at Ganxiusuo Station (干休所站).
Temple Highlights
Longquan Temple is recognized as the oldest Taoist temple in central Yunnan, known as the “First Ancient Shrine of Central Yunnan.” The temple is built along the mountain’s natural terrain, with each hall carefully integrated into the landscape. From the majestic Ziji Xuandu Gate (紫极玄都山门) to the sacred Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), every corner of the temple reflects the profound cultural and spiritual essence of Taoism. The temple’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kunming.
