Bai Long Temple, situated in Hengshanqiao Town, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, just off the Hengshanqiao interchange of the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Nestled against the mountains and surrounded by water, the temple faces south and presents an aura that is both serene and majestic. It is located south of the Yangtze River and north of Taihu Lake, offering a picturesque view that is complemented by the fragrance of birds and flowers throughout the seasons.
The temple is home to a wealth of natural landscapes and historical relics. Among them are the remains of the yellow cat on Huangmaoling Hill, which, according to legends, spat gold during the day and silver at night before the Han Dynasty. The Ascension Terrace dates back to the Wei and Jin periods, while the Inner and Outer Longtan were formed during the Jin Dynasty as a result of Cao Heng’s snake fighting. Additionally, the Dragon Well is a sacred site from the Song Dynasty, associated with the White Dragon Mother.
The temple boasts a rich variety of flora, with ancient trees such as boxwood, nandina, and osmanthus trees thriving in the area. In front of the hall, two ginkgo trees, believed to be two thousand years old and known as the Trees of Love and Harmony, stand tall and reach for the sky, their thick trunks a testament to their age. Five large cherry trees bear abundant fruit in autumn, their fragrance filling the air. A three-hundred-year-old magnolia tree, with an upright trunk, blooms profusely in early spring, its fragrance spreading for miles. Regrettably, due to its age and the ravages of time, this ancient magnolia tree has finally reached the end of its life this year.The Inner Longtan is home to a strikingly lifelike sculpture of the White Dragon Mother. The Tai Chi Yin-Yang ball within the area seems to spin with an almost magical grace, while the pond’s waters are so clear that one can see the fish and shrimp playing at the bottom. The landscape is vibrant from a distance, with the mountains displaying a spectrum of colors, and the waters remain tranquil up close. As visitors stroll through the temple, a profound sense of returning to nature spontaneously emerges.
Every year, from the first to the third day of the eighth lunar month, it is believed that the Dragon Son returns to Hengshan Bai Long Temple to pay his respects to his mother. This tradition brings a surge of activity to the surrounding area, with the temple hosting a three-day opera performance in celebration, an event known as the Hengshanqiao Temple Fair. Recently, the temple has been adorned with the Four Deities of Wealth, each standing at an imposing 12.8 meters tall and representing the cardinal directions—East, South, West, and North.
The temple is open to the public from 08:00 to 16:00 all year round. For preferential policies, the following applies: children under 1.2 meters in height and individuals over 70 years of age are admitted free of charge. Children between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters in height can purchase discounted tickets for the scenic area. Please note that this information is for reference only and is subject to change based on announcements made by the scenic area on the day of your visit.
For service facilities, the Bai Long Temple Parking Lot is available free of charge. It is located at Bai Long Temple Parking Lot, Hengshanqiao Town, Wujin District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and offers 40 parking spaces.
