[2025 Changshu Attraction] Travel Guide for san feng si (Updated May)

Sanfeng Chan Temple, also known as Sanfeng Qingliang Chan Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple located at the northern foot of Yushan Mountain in Changshu, Jiangsu Province. Originally named "Sanfeng Chan Monastery," the temple was first built during the Southern Liang Dynasty (approximately 502-557 AD) and named after its location on the third peak of Yushan Mountain. The Tang Dynasty poet Chang Jian mentioned "the faint sound of bells from the cloudy stream" in his poem "The Third Peak," indicating that the temple was already an ancient one during the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, the eminent monk Hanyue Fazang resided here, elevating the temple to a prominent ancestral temple of the Linji School of Chan Buddhism, alongside Hangzhou's Lingyin Temple and Ningbo's Tiantong Temple. In 1699, during the 38th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the emperor bestowed the name "Sanfeng Qingliang Chan Temple" upon the temple during his southern tour and personally inscribed a plaque for it. During its peak, the temple boasted over a thousand rooms, housed over a thousand monks, possessed vast fields for cultivation, and had 15 affiliated courtyards, making it a major Buddhist center in the Jiangnan region. The temple suffered damage from war and fire multiple times throughout history, particularly during the Xianfeng era when the main hall, Daxiong Baodian, was destroyed. In 2001, the government approved the reconstruction of the temple on its original site. The first phase of the project was completed in five years, and a Buddha statue consecration ceremony was held in 2006. The temple now covers an area of 50 mu (approximately 8.2 acres) with a building area of 3,600 square meters, restoring the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty. The Daxiong Baodian is constructed with the largest redwood structure in the Jiangnan region. The screen wall in front of the temple is 21 meters wide and 7.3 meters high. The front is engraved with Zhao Puchu's calligraphy of the Heart Sutra, while the back features the inscription "Great vows fulfilled, a hundred blessings adorn" by Master Hongyi. The mountain gate bears a plaque inscribed with "Sanfeng" by Sun Hao from the Qing Dynasty. The temple's layout follows the mountain's contours. The central axis runs through the Sanmen Hall, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, and the Daxiong Baodian. The living quarters are located on the north side, while historical relics such as the "Tiaoshui Tan" (Water-Carrying Pond) are preserved on the south side. Details such as the number of steps and pillars embody Buddhist doctrines. For example, the 147 steps symbolize the sum of "53 visits + six perfections + 88 Buddhas." Two 236-year-old Chinese catalpa trees in front of the mountain gate, known as the "First Chinese Catalpas of Jiangnan," attract visitors with their sea of light purple blossoms in late spring and are listed as second-class protected trees in the Changshu Ancient Tree Register. A couplet inside the temple reads, "A long whistle echoes through the mountains and valleys; looking up, the sea and sky are vast," expressing Chan Buddhist sentiments. Weng Tonghe, a tutor to two emperors, studied here and donated an ancient copy of the Shurangama Sutra, which is now housed in the temple. Sanfeng Chan Temple is not only an important ancestral temple of the Linji School but is also renowned for the "Sanfeng Doctrine." Monk Hanyue Fazang established a unique Chan Buddhist method here and engaged in Buddhist debates with Miyun Yuanwu of Tiantong Temple, leading to the formation of the "Sanfeng School." The modern patriotic monk Zongyang supported Sun Yat-sen's revolution, and records of his deeds are preserved within the temple. Sanfeng Chan Temple integrates natural landscapes, Buddhist culture, and historical architecture. It is both a sacred place for Buddhist practice and a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore history and nature. Its redwood main hall, ancient trees, and Chan Buddhist heritage form a unique cultural symbol, making it a worthwhile destination for in-depth exploration.

Sanfeng Qingliang Zen Temple: First built in the Southern Dynasties, formerly known as Sanfeng Zen Temple, it has experienced wars and reconstruction. In the 38th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, Emperor Kangxi went on a southern tour and abbot Chaokui welcomed him in Suzhou. The emperor bestowed a plaque on the Sanfeng Qingliang Zen Temple, and it began to be called the present day. The three peaks have deep ravines, clear water and beautiful trees, and are a perfect place for Buddhist practice. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Hanyue Fazang attained enlightenment and spread Buddhism at Sanfeng Zen Temple. His teachings formed a school of their own in the Zen monastery at that time and were known as Sanfeng Zen.

I had planned to wait until the Labor Day holiday to visit the cool and refreshing Qingshansi Temple to see the pagoda trees in bloom. But the unpredictable rain spurred a sudden trip. Indeed, I chose the right time to come, half a day's annual leave was not wasted. Half the blossoms on the branches, half fallen; it's truly too beautiful. I happened to encounter a young lady with her ragdoll princess, and I got to take many photos 🏠 Sanfeng Qingshan Zen Temple 📍 No. 38, Sanfeng Street, Yushan Town, Changshu City 🅿️ Parking lot at the foot of the mountain, 7 yuan per time, a three to four hundred meter walk up the mountain (Actually, you can also drive directly, free parking on the roadside during non-holiday peaks)

Qingliang Zen Temple is hidden at the foot of the mountain. Two ancient catalpa trees in front of the door It’s about to bloom. The branches are full of flowers, This is unique to Changshu people Spring atmosphere. Two trees form a forest, one flower forms a sea, The tree is already 236 years old. In the "List of Ancient Trees in Changshu City", they are all classified as second-level ancient and valuable trees. It is said that there are only 4 ancient catalpa trees in the province, and the two trees in Changshu are famous for their beautiful shapes. It has the reputation of "the best catalpa tree in Jiangnan"! In late spring, The ancient catalpa tree gradually wakes up, lilac flowers The branches are covered with rustling sounds. The breeze blows and the fragrance of flowers fills the air Attracting many tourists to come and check in! 🎉Highlight recommendation: Sanfeng Qingliang Temple According to legend, it was built in Qiliang. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, the scale expanded. It is the first temple in Changshu, And these two ancient catalpa trees Holding hands, guarding this Zen temple in Changshu. Rushing for the flowering season, Come to Yucheng this spring day, Don't forget Go on a "Calpa" date! 🎫Ticket: 10 yuan (you don’t need to buy a ticket to enter the temple to take pictures of catalpa trees) 🅿Parking: There is a free parking lot at the foot of the temple mountain, parking inside the temple is 7 yuan (parking is free if you buy a ticket) 🌸The ancient catalpa tree blooms in mid-to-late April (between the 15th and 25th in previous years) Detailed address: No. 68, Sanfeng Street, Changshu City

Sanfeng Temple, located at the northern foot of Yu Mountain, should also be one of the must-visit spots in the Yu Mountain scenic area of Changshu. Unfortunately, it is quite far from several core areas of Yu Mountain, and the climb up the stairs can be tiring. Many tourists are reluctant to visit, and even if they do, they just wander around at the bottom. In fact, not only is the scenery here beautiful and serene, but the temple also has a considerable scale and a long history. The bronze Guanyin statue at the very top is exquisitely crafted, consisting of four statues from the front, back, left, and right. The one in the front holds a pure water bottle, sprinkling it towards the human world with a willow branch, relieving suffering and difficulty. The two statues on the sides represent the Guanyin of sending children. Interestingly, one statue holds a boy, and the other holds a girl. Pilgrims come here to take what they need, and their prayers are answered. This also reflects the great compassion of the Guanyin Bodhisattva, who embodies gender equality and universal love in the world.