Longquan Temple in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang
Chinese Name:束河龙泉寺(三圣宫)
English Name: Longquan Temple in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang
Chinese Pinying: Shu He Long Quan Si
Keywords: Longquan Temple, Shuhe Ancient Town, Ming dynasty mural
Location: Located in Shuhe Ancient Town, 7 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town
Admission Fee: 5 Yuan
Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00
Traveling Hours: 1hour
Traveling Seasons: All seasons
About Longquan Temple
Longquan temple（龙泉寺）also known as Sam Sing Kung Chinese Temple（三圣宫）which was built in Ming dynasty and rebuilt in 1983, is located in Shuhe Ancient Town, 7 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town. Longquan temple gets its name from Longquan Lake near the temple, and the temple is built along the lake. Overlooking the lake from the second floor of Dajue Palace（大觉宫）, tourists appreciate the pleasant view. Longquan Lake more clear than that in Lijiang Ancient Town runs along the river through the ancient streets to directly serve as the villagers’ drinking water. Longquan Temple is a good place for the Naxi （纳西）family to have delicious dinner and spring outing because of its quiet environment.
The temple is a quadrangle courtyard while the north sits the main hall, enshrining the God of Rain（龙王） in Chinese Mythology inside. The west hall is consecrate the Goddess of Mercy（观音）, the south tower is dedicated to the father cobbler, Sun Bin, and the east building blocks straight into the water. With the corridors all the three sides of the temple, visitors to overlook the charming view around the temple. In ancient times, some scholars often visited to enjoy the glorious full moon in the moonlit night here, and hence came the “Longmen full moon”（龙门望月）.
The temple is painted with Ming dynasty murals with the content of Buddhism. The picture is different from Baisha Frescos（白沙壁画） in Dabaoji Palace（大宝积宫）， Baisha Ancient Town. It is one of the treasures of the Ming dynasty Lijiang fresco because of its unique features.
Structure of Longquan Temple
The construction structure with the four upturning eaves up is symmetrical and harmonious using a wooden brackets structure. The forehead pillar is decorated with all kinds of lively birds and animals. Shuhe Ancient Town is very similar to Lijiang Ancient Town, which is centered on a quadrate square in the whole layout. The water originates from of Longquan Lake going through the streets.
What to See in Longquan Temple
In the village, flows the clear water from several springs all year round, across the village. The willows on both side of the river droop down and touch the water surface gently. The black tiles and white walls are covered with green shade, showing visitors beautiful scenery. Walking from the stone bridge in the west of the village the stream of the spring, along strange stone was made, visitors and see a fantastic rock peak and a clear spring behind the rock.
Near the pond there situates a pavilion whose name is actually Longquan Temple. The structure is exquisite and unique with the upturning eaves and the beautiful and generous ornamentation sculpture. There full of wide variety of flowers and trees in the courtyard with pleasant fragrant. Every spring, various kinds of flowers blossom continually. That’s really wonderful scene. Traveling here, tourists can view the whole building, and the scenery of Longquan Lake, which gives people a comfortable and happy feeling.
How to Get to Longquan Temple
- Take the 11 bus to Shuhe Ancient Town and walk 100 meters northward to the temple.
- Take a taxi from Dayan Ancient Town for 20Yuan.
- Take the shuttle bus from Lijiang Ancient Town to Shuhe Ancient Town for 2 Yuan.
Best Time to Visit
The peak period for visiting Shuhe Ancient Town is from May to October. Actually, Shuhe is worth visiting during any season, so if you do not want to experience a crowded scene, avoiding that period might be a good option.
Recommended Tour with
1 Day Lijiang Cycling Tour from Lijiang Old Town to Shuhe, Baisha and Yuhu Village
Shuhe Ancient Town Accommodation
Shuhe Ancient Town is an important constituent part of Lijiang Ancient City, a world cultural heritage site in China. There are many high-quality hotels in the old town although the quantity is not as good as that of Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe old town is much more tranquil than Lijiang Old Town, less crowded and less noisy, and the air is very good at the foot of the mountain. Follow Yunnan Exploration to discover the best hotels in Shuhe Old Town such as Banyan Tree Lijiang.
1.Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel(康年丽水阳光酒店)
At Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel, the excellent service and superior facilities make for an unforgettable stay. The hotel offers access to a vast array of services, including 24-hour room service, casino, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park.
Add: Entrance of Shu He Ancient Town, Suburbs, Lijiang, China
2. Lijiang E-Outfitting Boutique Hotel(丽江首译精品客栈)
Lijiang E-Outfitting Boutique Hotel also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Lijiang. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage.
Add: No.35 Qingyun Village, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China
3.Banyan Tree Lijiang(丽江悦榕庄)
Located in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, Banyan Tree offers a relaxing retreat away from the city. Surrounded by fresh mountain air and green landscapes, the property features luxurious accommodations with traditional Naxi-style décor and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
Add: No.1, Yuerong Road, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China
4.The Bivou Lijiang(佖屋酒店)
Only a short 1-minute stroll from Shuhe Ancient Town, The Bivou features accommodations in local and modern styles combined together. Blending in by making use of the barbecue facilities, lazing in soothing massage, going horse riding or enjoying a fun time with your children at kids’ club seems like a nice getaway. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
Add: 16 Zhonghe Cun, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China
5.K2 International Youth Hostel(束河K2国际青年旅舍)
K2 International Youth Hostel Lijiang offers a comfortable setting while in Lijiang. It also provides luggage storage, a 24-hour reception and wireless internet. Lijiang Sanyi Airport is a 55-minute drive from K2 International Youth Hostel Lijiang. Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum are just a short drive from the hostel.
Add: No. 1 Guailiu Lane Kangpu Road, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China
Longquan Temple Travel Tips
Altitude Sickness
The altitude is about 2,400 meters or about 7,800 feet. Some people may get some altitude sickness. So take it easy the first day or two.
What to Pack
Travel light when strolling in the old town. Bring a camera with you that you can take photos along the way. Sunlight is very strong in Lijiang, wear sun protection such as hats, sunglasses and use sun block, etc.
Entertainment
Do not miss the bars in Lijang. They are a part of life. The bars in Shuhe Old Town is more quieter than Lijiang old town.
Dining
In Shuhe Old Town, some small restaurants are also surprising. The famous local dishes includes Chickpeas Bean Jelly, Lijiang Salted Pork Ribs, Naxi barbecue and other Lijiang delicacies.
Hotels
Just like Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Old Town has many high-qualify hotels or hostels for you to choose from. The recommended hotels are Banyan Tree Lijiang, Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel, etc.
Other Tips
1. If you plan to travel to Lijiang during the peak tourist season (Spring Festival, May Day, Summer holiday, and National Day holiday), be sure to reserve a room in advance.
2. There used to have carriages getting in and out of this town, so be careful.
3. It is best to wear cloth shoes or sneakers when walking in the old town, because they are all slabstone path, it is easy to twist your feet with high heels.
4.Take rain gear when you visit in the rainy season, and the slabstone path are slippery after the rain. Pay attention to that.
