Boasting a history of a thousand years, Baolun Temple is located in Ciqikou Ancient Town, Shapingba District, Chongqing.
In the Tang Dynasty, the Baolun Tower was erected here, after which the temple was named. People also believe Jianwen Emperor in the Ming Dynasty once lived in seclusion here, so they call it Longyin Temple. The name implies the hidden residence of the true dragon or the son of heaven in ancient China. Ciqikou also has another name: Longyin Town. In front of the original gate, there was a plaquette with the inscription “Longyin Buddha Hall”. Unfortunately, it got damaged later. Entering through the gate, you may see another “Longyin Buddha Hall” on the screen wall over the stone steps. People of the later generations created it.
According to historical documents, Baolun Temple was known for its size. During its flourishing days, there were 16 shrine buildings with 372 Buddha statues. And over 300 permanent monks and priests were living in its hundreds of abodes. Moreover, endless streams of people came here for initiation into monkhood. It is a pity that most of the halls were ruined by the time of the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. When Zhang Xianzhong led his army and invaded Chongqing, nearly all the complex was burnt out in the fire. Hall of Heavenly Kings was the only luckily-preserved building.