Jingshan Temple

Jingshan Temple, located in Jingshan Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, is one of the famous Buddhist Chan (Zen) temples in the Jiangnan region, known as the "Crown of Jiangnan Zen Forests." Here's a detailed introduction to Jingshan Temple: --- I. History 1. Establishment Jingshan Temple was founded during the Xiantong period of the Tang Dynasty (around 867 AD) by Chan Master Faqin (also known as Jingshan Chan Master). It was named after the mountain where it stands. - Golden Age: From the Song Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty, Jingshan Temple became an important ancestral temple of the Linji School of Chan Buddhism, and was known as one of the "Three Great Monasteries of Hangzhou" along with Lingyin Temple and Jingci Temple. - Destruction and Reconstruction: It was destroyed by fire in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. The current buildings are mostly from the Qing Dynasty and modern renovations. 2. International Influence Jingshan Temple is one of the important sources of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Its concept of "Tea and Zen as One" has had a profound impact on cultural exchange between China and Japan. Traces of Jingshan Temple can be found in Japanese tea ceremony and Zen rituals. --- II. Main Attractions 1. Temple Buildings - Mahavira Hall: The main hall, enshrining a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, with a solemn and majestic architectural style. - Dharma Distribution Center: A special area within the temple where you can purchase Buddhist statues, scriptures, and other Dharma items. - Meditation Hall: A place where eminent monks have taught the Dharma throughout history, preserving the traditional atmosphere of Zen meditation. - Bell Tower and Drum Tower: The morning bell and evening drum symbolize the daily routine of Buddhist monastic life. 2. Natural Scenery - Jingshan Mountain: With an altitude of 340 meters, the mountaintop offers a panoramic view of Hangzhou. - Thousand Buddha Cliff: A group of grottoes near the temple, carved with numerous Buddha statues, dating back to ancient times. - Feilai Peak: As famous as the Feilai Peak of Lingyin Temple, it features cliff carvings and ancient trees. --- III. Cultural Value 1. Tea and Zen Culture Jingshan Temple is known for its "Tea and Zen as One" concept. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has had the tradition of "Jingshan Tea Ceremony" and is considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese Chan tea culture. - Lu Yu and Jingshan Tea: Lu Yu, the Tea Sage of the Tang Dynasty, studied tea ceremony in the temple and drew inspiration from Jingshan tea art when writing The Classic of Tea. 2. Buddhist Scriptures The temple once housed a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, many of which were unfortunately destroyed by war. The remaining ancient books are precious cultural relics. --- IV. Travel Guide 1. Address and Transportation - Address: Jingshan South Road, Jingshan Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City - Transportation: - From Hangzhou City: Approximately 1 hour by car; take Yuhang Bus No. 519 to Jingshan Temple Station. - From Lingyin Temple/Hangzhou West Railway Station: Approximately 40 minutes by taxi. 2. Opening Hours and Tickets - Opening Hours: 7:00-17:00 (subject to seasonal adjustments) - Tickets: Adults 20 yuan, students/seniors half price (for reference only, subject to the scenic spot's announcement) 3. Nearby Attractions - Jingshan Flower Sea (Spring): Thousands of acres of flower fields in front of the temple, ideal for taking photos. - Shuangxi Bamboo Sea: About 10 kilometers from the temple, known for its bamboo forests and valleys. - Xiaogucheng Ruins: Another historical and cultural site in Yuhang District, where you can experience Liangzhu culture. --- V. Things to Note - The temple is a religious site. Please maintain a solemn atmosphere and refrain from loud noises or climbing on ancient relics. - Inquire in advance about Zen meditation programs. Some halls may have limited access for tourists. - The temple is crowded on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to visit during off-peak hours. --- Jingshan Temple blends natural landscapes with humanistic Zen spirit. It is not only a pilgrimage site for Buddhists but also an excellent place for ordinary tourists to experience traditional culture and find inner peace. If you are interested in Zen history or tea culture, this is a must-visit destination.