The Longquan Monastery is located at the foot of the Phoenix Range in the Western Mountains of Beijing. Construction began in the First Year of Yingchu Period in Liao Dynasty. Two cypress trees in front of the entrance gate are some six hundred years old. Two sturdy and tall gingko trees as well as two ancient cypress trees in the courtyard are a thousand years old as well. The monastery originally faced east, and there remains of that period a single-span stone bridge, which was called the Golden Dragon Bridge. The Bridge was constructed with donations collected by Venerable Master Jisheng who was the first abbot of the monastery. Venerable Master Jisheng’s stupa is in eastern part of the monastery. It’s said that on the day of Venerable Master Jisheng’s passing, the sky was covered with auspicious clouds and birds cried in the woods. After forty-nine days of chanting by the monks, a simple and elegant fragrance of sandalwood came from the stupa lasting for three years.

There are ruins of Buddhist monasteries near Longquan Monastery, such as the Dajue Monastery, the Shangfang Monastery, the Huangpu Court, the Miaofeng Nunnery and the Cave of Chaoyang. These ruins testify to an extensive history of Buddhism in the area. The Phoenix Range behind the monastery was historically called the Mount Zhubi, or God or Lord. There are many caves for Buddhist retreats in these mountains, such as the Cave of the Three Buddhas, the Xuanyuan Cave, and the Immortal’s Chair Cave or Fairy Cave, etc. Images of the Buddhas engraved on the cliff are still clear and intact.

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