Iron Buddha Temple (铁佛寺), originally named “Bazheng Temple,” was first constructed during the Tianjian era of the Southern Dynasties (502-519 AD) and initially served as a nunnery. Over the centuries, it underwent several name changes and transitions. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the eastern corridor of the temple was opened as the Guangfu Guanyin Zen Temple, housing an iron Buddha statue, leading to the bestowed title of “Shou Sheng Guanyin Zen Temple.” Amidst the turmoil at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the temple was mostly destroyed, with only the iron Guanyin statue remaining. In the second year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1369 AD), the temple was relocated to its current site and renamed “Iron Buddha Temple.”
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Iron Buddha Temple
- Vlog about Iron Buddha Temple
- Other Attractions in Huzhou Urban Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0572-2210489 |
Location and Transportation
Iron Buddha Temple is located at No. 192 Laodong Road, Wuxing District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 6, 29, 31, 33, 38, 44A, 44B, 47, 58, or 60 and get off at Tiefosi Stop (铁佛寺站).
Highlights of Iron Buddha Temple
Iron Guanyin Statue
The architecture of Iron Buddha Temple exhibits a unique blend of styles from both northern and southern regions of China. The main structures within the temple complex include the front hall and the rear hall, arranged in a meticulous and harmonious layout. In the center of the front hall stands a 2.5-meter-tall iron Guanyin statue, weighing approximately 1.5 tons. The statue depicts Guanyin standing with a slight inclination to the right, with a towering topknot, full cheeks, and hands crossed in front of the chest, as if listening to the sounds of the universe. Standing barefoot on a lotus pedestal, the statue’s body forms an elegant S-shape, while the inverted lotus pedestal adds a unique touch to its presentation. Combining the robustness of the Tang Dynasty style with the gracefulness of the Song Dynasty, the statue exudes a dignified demeanor, with serene facial features and flowing robes, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and artistic finesse.
Bronze Bell and Monumental Stele
Displayed in the center of the rear hall is a bronze bell from Japan, cast in the third year of the Hoei era (1706 AD). Standing at 1.6 meters tall and weighing about 1.5 tons, this bell is a relic from Japan’s Buddhist revival during the Meiji Restoration period. When Hu Guangdong, founder of the Huqingyutang Pharmacy in Hangzhou, traveled to Japan, he purchased several bronze bells and donated them to various temples upon his return to China. Today, only two of these bells remain, one at Yue Fei Temple in Hangzhou and the other at Iron Buddha Temple in Huzhou.
In addition to these treasures, Iron Buddha Temple also houses a monumental stele inscribed with “Tianning Wanshou Chan Temple” by the famous calligrapher Zhao Mengfu from the Yuan Dynasty. These three treasures are collectively known as the “Three Treasures of Iron Buddha Temple” and hold significant artistic and historical value.
