Hanshan Temple: Finding a Sanctuary for the Soul at Fengqiao Night Mooring

Travel Overview Hanshan Temple, located in the Gusu District of Suzhou, is a historic Zen Buddhist temple made famous by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji's poem 'A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge.' This trip will immerse you in the cultural heritage of Hanshan Temple, allowing you to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the temple and participate in blessing activities. Itinerary Morning • Transportation Recommendation: Depart from downtown Suzhou and take bus routes 44, 442, or You 3, all of which go directly to Hanshan Temple Station. • Attractions: ◦ Hanshan Temple: Originally built during the Tianjian era of the Southern Dynasties' Liang Dynasty, it was initially named 'Miaoli Puming Pagoda Courtyard.' The temple features the Mahavira Hall, Bell Tower, and Stele Gallery, among other structures. The 'First Buddhist Bell in the World,' a Tang-style bronze bell, weighs 108 tons. ◦ Bell Tower: The 'midnight bell chime' of the Bell Tower is a symbol of Hanshan Temple. Every year on December 31st, the temple holds a New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony, with the bell rung 108 times to symbolize the dispelling of worries in the coming year. • Food Recommendation: Enjoy vegetarian noodles at the temple's vegetarian restaurant, savoring the sweet and fragrant Suzhou flavor. Afternoon • Attractions: ◦ Hanshi Hall: The hall enshrines stone carvings of the two eminent monks Hanshan and Shide, with a Thousand-Hand Guanyin stone carving embedded behind them. ◦ Stele Gallery: Displays steles with poems by famous historical figures such as Yue Fei, Tang Bohu, Dong Qichang, and Kang Youwei. The stele inscribed with Zhang Ji's poem by Yu Yue is the most renowned. • Activity Recommendation: Experience free sutra copying at the Sutra Copying Hall, and place the copied sutras on the shelf afterward. Evening • Attractions: ◦ Maple Bridge: Under the ancient canal bridge, a traditional black awning boat is moored, the same spot where Zhang Ji moored his boat a thousand years ago. • Food Recommendation: Enjoy Suzhou's local snacks at restaurants near Maple Bridge, experiencing authentic Suzhou flavors. Accommodation Recommendation It is recommended to stay near Zhongshan Building, located on Renmin Road in the bustling area, close to the pedestrian street Guanqian Street, and near attractions such as the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, and Beisi Pagoda. Notes 1. Dress Code: Dress appropriately when entering the temple; avoid overly revealing or eccentric clothing. 2. Maintain Silence: Loud noises are prohibited in the temple; maintain tranquility. 3. Incense Offering Etiquette: Hold the incense with your left hand, light it, then raise it to forehead height with both hands and bow to the Buddha statue. 4. Bell Ringing Fee: There is an additional fee for ringing the bell, 3 yuan per ring. Estimated Costs • Admission: 20 yuan for adults, half-price discount for students. • Bell Ringing Fee: 3 yuan per ring. • Vegetarian Meal: Approximately 20 yuan per bowl.