龙王堂

Long ago, two separate temples graced the grounds of what is now Longwangmiao, nestled within Beijing’s Badachu Park. One, Huiyun Chanlin (Radiant Cloud Buddhist Temple), was built during the Ming Dynasty. The other, Longquan An (Dragon Spring Temple), was constructed in 1645, during the Qing Dynasty. Later, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, these two temples merged, becoming the single entity we know today as Longwangmiao. The temple’s name, Longwangmiao (Dragon King Temple), comes from a legendary spring. This spring, the Dragon Spring, is said to have been discovered beneath the temple grounds during the early Qing Dynasty. It flows from a tiger-shaped stone cave beneath Longwangmiao, emerging through the mouth of a carved stone dragon into a square pool. The water then meanders gently onward, never freezing, even in the depths of winter. The main temple at Longwangmiao faces east and contains a statue of the Dragon King. A plaque above the entrance bears the inscription “Ancient Palace of the Dragon King”, written by the poet, painter, and calligrapher Zhu Yizun, also known by his pen name, “Crippled Moon Elder”. The spring’s fame led Zhu Yizun to compose a poem, “Ode to Sweet Water”, praising the Dragon Spring. He wrote of the water’s remarkable clarity and refreshing taste. He even playfully suggested moving the spring to the capital so everyone could enjoy it. The Qianlong Emperor also visited Longwangmiao, composing a poem that speaks of the temple’s serene beauty. He described the “ancient temple amidst the mountain’s tranquility”, “trees growing upon emerald stones”, and the gentle patter of “flower rain upon fragrant terraces”. Today, visitors can still enjoy the tranquil beauty of Longwangmiao, admiring the pine and cypress trees and the ever-flowing Dragon Spring. They can even enjoy tea made with the spring water at the “Dragon Spring Teahouse,” established in the park in the 1990s.