[2025 Qingdao Attraction] Travel guide for Zhanshan Temple (updated Dec)

Zhanshan TempleLocated on the southwest of Zhanshan Mountain and the eastern foothills of Taiping Mountain in eastern Qingdao. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1945, covering an area of 23 mu. From 1934 when Buddhist devotees raised funds to start the project, until the completion of the mountain gate in 1944, the construction spanned a decade.Zhanshan TempleAffiliated with the Tiantai sect of Buddhism, its first abbot was the renowned monk Yanxu, who founded a Buddhist college. It is said that at that time, "eminent monks from across the land came bearing their staffs, Master Hongyi expounded the sutras, Buddhist disciples gathered from all directions, and devout men and women assembled in great numbers, creating a flourishing scene that gained widespread fame." In its early days, to cultivate talents for propagating Buddhist teachings, the temple established a specialized Buddhist studies supplementary class with the principle of "expounding Tiantai teachings while practicing Pure Land cultivation." In 1940, it founded the "Qingdao Zhanshan Buddhist School." Many esteemed monks from across the country came here to give lectures.Zhanshan TempleThis has earned it international renown.Zhanshan TempleDuring the school's operation, Master Hongyi once came here to give lectures. Hongyi, also known as Li Shutong after his monastic ordination, was a renowned Chinese literary figure and artist. His composed songs were widely popular, and many of his poems became timeless masterpieces. He became a monk at Hupao Temple in Hangzhou in 1918 and was a distinguished scholar of Buddhist monastic discipline in China. In 1937, he accepted Danxu's invitation to visit.Zhanshan TempleLectures and visits from admirers continued in an endless stream.Zhanshan TempleNestled between Taiping Mountain and Zhanshan, the scenery changes with the seasons, particularly in summer and fall when visitors can experience the poetic charm of "a corner of Zhanshan as cool as autumn." ExploreZhanshan TempleThe temple pond is a must-pass spot. This emerald pool bursts with blooming lotuses in summer and drooping willow leaves. Originally a place for devotees to release captive creatures for merit, it's aptly named "Life Release Pond." Skirt around the pond and ascend the steps to reach the south-facing temple complex with five courtyards. The first courtyard features the mountain gate, inscribed with "Zhanshan TempleThe entrance features three large Chinese characters. The second courtyard houses the main hall enshrining Maitreya Bodhisattva, flanked by elegantly designed bell and drum towers on the east and west sides of the front courtyard. Behind the main hall lies the third courtyard, where the Great Hero Hall—the temple's central structure—stands majestically on a granite platform. This principal hall enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, with Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas on either side. Passing through a garden-like patio leads to the fourth courtyard, where the Three Saints Hall displays a prominent plaque inscribed "Haiyin Legacy" by calligrapher Zhao Puchu. Visitors familiar with the historic Buddhist-Taoist conflicts at Laoshan's Haiyin Temple will recognize this as a tribute to Master Hanshan of the Ming Dynasty. The hall enshrines Amitabha Buddha, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. The fifth courtyard contains the scripture depository at the temple's northern end, housing thousands of Buddhist texts. Beyond the Bodhi courtyard stands a seven-tiered pagoda named "Medicine Buddha Lapis Lazuli Light Pagoda" atop a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of the coastal city's mountain and sea scenery.Zhanshan TempleNestled in a picturesque location, this area attracts a steady stream of visitors year-round, with particularly large crowds during the Buddha Bathing Festival temple fair on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.Zhanshan TempleWith its unique location, it shines with sacred brilliance amidst the modern cityscape. The eternal lamps and timeless chants of Zen wisdom offer contemporary visitors a mystical calling and enduring enlightenment.