Dragon Springs

Dragon Springs is a complex of Buddhist-style buildings and educational facilities set across roughly 173 hectares in Orange County, New York. The site includes Tang Dynasty-style prayer halls, dormitories, rehearsal stages, and classrooms spread over gentle hills.

The institution was founded in the late 1990s in response to restrictions on classical Chinese arts and spiritual practice in China. It grew into a center where traditional art forms are nurtured and passed on that have come under pressure elsewhere.

The name refers to Chinese legends of dragons dwelling in and protecting spring water sources. Students practice daily classical dance movements and musical pieces that trace back to Tang-era forms rarely found in China today.

The site is mainly accessible to students and members, with public events and performances taking place occasionally. Visitors to the area should check in advance for visiting opportunities and special occasions, as access is not always open.

The temple buildings were erected using centuries-old carpentry techniques in which wooden components interlock without the use of metal parts. This construction method dates back to the Chinese Tang period and is rarely seen outside Asia today.