Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple stands on a hill in the eastern part of central Zhuzhou, a Buddhist complex with a Tang-dynasty founding tradition and Ming-dynasty construction. The main hall contains large bronze Buddhist figures and an active community of monks; incense smoke and the sound of chanting give the temple an atmosphere that contrasts usefully with the secular commemorative landscape of the Shennongcheng area.

The climb to the temple from street level takes about ten minutes through a garden path shaded by mature trees. From the temple grounds there are good views over the eastern city and the surrounding hills. The temple is free to enter and sees primarily local worshippers rather than tourist crowds; it can be combined with the riverfront scenic belt for a morning that covers both Zhuzhou's religious and recreational geography.

things to do sight
A story
Longshan Temple is associated with the Zen Buddhist tradition and claims a foundation during the Tang dynasty, though the current buildings date from successive Ming and Qing reconstructions. The temple's name — Dragon Mountain — refers to the hill on which it stands, which the local geomantic tradition identifies as the tail of a dragon whose body extends beneath the city. Dragon associations with water sources were common in Chinese temple siting, and Zhuzhou's position on the Xiang River made dragon symbolism particularly appropriate.