Chongyuan Temple (重元寺, Zhongyuan Temple), originally known as Chongxuan Temple, is a historic Buddhist monastery located on the picturesque Yangcheng Lake Peninsula in Suzhou, China. Its roots trace back to the year 503 AD, making it more than 1,500 years old. During the early Northern Song Dynasty, it underwent a name change to Chengtian Temple. Towards the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, it was renamed Nengren Temple. However, during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, it was once again renamed and has retained the name Chongyuan Temple ever since.
Chongyuan Temple boasts several remarkable features, including the tallest and heaviest indoor statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, in China. Additionally, it houses the country’s heaviest bronze bell, weighing an impressive 10 tons. The grandeur of the temple is further exemplified by the towering Great Buddha Hall, standing at 38 meters in height and covering an area of 2,100 square meters. Another notable structure is the Waterborne Guanyin Pavilion, reaching a height of 46 meters.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Chongyuan temple
- Things to Do at Chongyuan Temple
- Vlog about Chongyuan Temple
- A Brief History of Chongyuan Temple
- Other Temples in Suzhou
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| History | Initially built in 503 A.D. and named Chongxuan Temple Destroyed in 842 because of a government campaign to eliminate Buddhism Rebuilt and Renamed as Chengtian Temple in the early North Song Dynasty and then as Nengren Temple in the late North Song Dynasty Destroyed in fire in 1330 and rebuilt in 1341 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0512-62890886 |
Location and Transportation
Chongyuan Temple is situated on the peninsula of Yangcheng Lake in the captivating city of Suzhou. Its exact address is No.333, Yangcheng Ring Road, Suzhou Industrial Area, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 126, 1052, or 1061 and get off at Chongyuan Temple Stop (重元寺站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Chongyuan Temple is Yangcheng Lake South (阳澄湖南) on line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit 3, transfer to bus 1052 to cover the remaining 5.5 kilometers.
Highlights of Chongyuan temple
Architectural Splendor
Chongyuan Temple’s architecture in Suzhou is a mesmerizing fusion of traditional Chinese design and spiritual tranquility. With its ornate main hall, intricate wooden carvings, and multi-tiered roofs, the temple radiates elegance. Pavilions, courtyards, and reflective water features seamlessly intertwine with nature, embodying the essence of Suzhou’s architectural grace. Sculptures, symbolic decorations, and carefully landscaped gardens create an atmosphere of serenity and reverence. This masterful integration of cultural elements, from delicate latticework to guardian figures, paints a vivid picture of spiritual devotion, making Chongyuan Temple a breathtaking testament to China’s architectural and religious heritage.
Guanyin Statue
The Guanyin statue at Chongyuan Temple is a sublime embodiment of compassion and divinity. Standing at 33 meters and weighing 88 tons, this intricately crafted sculpture of the bodhisattva Guanyin radiates serenity and benevolence. With graceful features and serene expression, the statue captivates devotees and visitors alike, evoking a profound sense of tranquility and reverence. As a symbol of mercy and solace, the Guanyin statue holds a central place in Chongyuan Temple’s spiritual narrative, inviting contemplation and connection in the heart of Suzhou’s rich cultural and religious tapestry.
Grand Main Hall
The main hall of Chongyuan Temple stands as a serene masterpiece, embodying profound tranquility within its sacred confines. Adorned with intricate architectural details and ornate sculptures, the hall exudes a sense of timeless spirituality. Bathed in soft, ethereal light that filters through ancient windows, it creates an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation. Housing a majestic central altar, the hall is a sanctuary for devotees, fostering a deep connection to their spiritual journey. Its harmonious blend of artistry and devotion offers a space where one can seek solace, reflect, and find harmony amidst the bustling world outside.
Scenic Beauty
Yangcheng Lake, enveloping Chongyuan Temple in Suzhou, is a gem of natural splendor. Renowned for its delicate beauty, this freshwater lake enhances the temple’s tranquil surroundings. Crystal-clear waters mirror the changing skies, reflecting the serenity that characterizes the area. The lake’s shores are adorned with verdant foliage, while its embrace offers a cool breeze that caresses visitors’ senses. Yangcheng Lake is not only a visual delight but also a vital part of Suzhou’s heritage, providing the temple with a scenic backdrop that seamlessly blends nature’s tranquility with the architectural grace of Chongyuan Temple.
Things to Do at Chongyuan Temple
Feeding Pigeons and Koi Fish: Pigeon food is available for purchase at 5 yuan per bag. It can be obtained through a self-service QR code. The pigeons in the temple are friendly and not afraid of people. Enjoy feeding these chubby pigeons. Similarly, you can buy fish food for 5 yuan per bag to feed the numerous koi fish in the temple.
Vegetarian Meals at Xiangji Kitchen: Xiangji Kitchen in Chongyuan Temple is praised as the best environment for vegetarian meals among the temples visited. Operating from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, the average cost per person is around 20 yuan, and the portions are generous.
Zen Meditation: While wandering through the temple, you may encounter individuals engaged in Zen meditation. The temple offers a rich meditation program, including scripture reading, walking meditation, Zen tea ceremonies, etc. The meditation sessions last for 8 days, and there is no charge for participation.
Vlog about Chongyuan Temple
A Brief History of Chongyuan Temple
Chongyuan Temple has a long history, dating back to the second year of Emperor Wu of Liang’s Tianjian reign (503 AD). You might have heard of Hanshan Temple or Lingyan Temple—Chongyuan Temple was built in the same period. Back then, Emperor Wu of Liang promoted Buddhism throughout the country, and the temple thrived under this atmosphere.
There’s actually an interesting story about how it was founded. A local official named Lu Sengzan, who lived northwest of Changzhou County Office, once saw auspicious clouds gathering over his home. Taking it as a divine sign, he asked the emperor for permission to donate his residence to build a temple. The emperor agreed, naming it “Daliang Guangde Chongxuan Temple.” But somewhere along the way, a clerical error changed “Chongxuan” (重玄) to “Chongyuan” (重元), and that’s the name that stuck.
For centuries, Chongyuan Temple was an important Buddhist site. Even Wei Yingwu, a famous Tang Dynasty poet who was also the governor of Suzhou, wrote about it, describing the vast views of the city and its prosperous surroundings. Many other poets, like Li Jiayu and Pi Rixiu, were also inspired by the temple’s beauty. But history wasn’t always kind to it. In 842 AD, during Emperor Wuzong’s anti-Buddhist campaign, many temples were destroyed, and monks fled from Suzhou. A new Chongyuan Temple was later built about 30 miles away in Weiting Town. In fact, Shanghai’s famous Jing’an Temple might have been founded around the same time for the same reason.
During the Wuyue Kingdom (908–932 AD), the temple was extensively renovated, becoming a grand complex with magnificent halls, twin earth mounds at the entrance, and a towering bronze Amitabha Buddha statue. It even had a shrine dedicated to Shenggu, the daughter of Lu Sengzan, whom locals worshipped to pray for children.
The temple went through many name changes over the centuries. In the Song Dynasty, it became Chengtian Temple, then Nengren Temple due to imperial naming restrictions. In the Yuan Dynasty, a fire destroyed it, but it was rebuilt by a monk named Yue Nanchu. At that time, it was also called “Shuang’e Temple,” possibly because of the twin earth mounds or the two unusual stones in the courtyard.
I really enjoyed the scenery at Chongyuan Temple. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a vast stretch of water. Close to noon, I had a bowl of vegetarian noodles at the temple. The ordinary Fushou noodles (福寿面) cost 18 yuan for a generous bowl filled with vegetables, topped with braised spring bamboo shoots (油焖春笋) for 13 yuan. Outside the window was a small vegetable garden, creating a very tranquil atmosphere.
At the Chongyuan Temple, you don’t have to worry about crowds, nor do you have to wait for people to walk by before taking photos. You can relax at the lakeside café by Yangcheng Lake, basking in the sun while quietly enjoying the tranquility and peace, feeling as if this is the blissful time away from the hustle and bustle.