Qingyun Temple

Qingyun Temple

Qingyun Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Qingyun Temple is located in Taixing, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province. It was first built in the second year of the Xianping era during the Northern Song Dynasty. Later, Cai Mengxiang, the son-in-law and military commander of the Yuan Dynasty, donated his residence to expand the temple, making it “a grand and splendid renowned monastery.” However, as time passed and the world changed, its carved beams and painted rafters gradually fell into disrepair, and “the vacant land around the temple was gradually taken over by local residents, causing the monks to disperse.” In 1988, the People's Government of Taixing County approved the application by the preparatory group of the Taixing County Buddhist Association to restore Qingyun Temple. In 1989, the Taixing County Buddhist Association was officially established. Its president, Master Zhilin, vice presidents Master Guolin and Master Honghui, along with other monks, devoted themselves entirely to the restoration project. The work was completed in 1990, and the temple was approved to open to the public. In 1995, the Five-Story Pagoda was restored and completed. In 1997, the temple added a bell tower and a drum tower. Qingyun Temple consists of two parts: the temple courtyard and the pagoda courtyard. The temple courtyard faces south and features the Gate Guardians, Heng and Ha, standing solemnly on either side inside the mountain gate. Entering the courtyard, the bell and drum towers stand tall on both sides. Walking along the pathway leads to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which houses the Maitreya Buddha, Skanda, and the Four Heavenly Kings. To the north of the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the Mahavira Hall, enshrining the Tathagata Buddha. To the east of the hall is the Guanyin Hall, and to the west is the Ksitigarbha Hall, with the Scripture Depository at the back. A door in the middle of the western wing of the temple courtyard leads to the pagoda courtyard, where there is a Five-Story Pagoda. This five-story pagoda has an octagonal exterior and a square interior. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view. The temple grounds are planted with a variety of famous flowers and plants, their vibrant colors competing in beauty, setting off the majestic presence of the pagoda. The site where Qingyun Temple stands today was originally shaped like a gourd, hence the name Huluwan (Gourd Bay). Some also thought the area resembled a golden vase, calling it Jinpingwan (Golden Vase Bay). During the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, the monk Baolian meditated and practiced here. Later, with the support of many benefactors such as Cheng Yanzhen, Shen Zhaofeng, Lu Shiming, Ji Xianyong, and Xu Jiugao, he built the Monastery and the Pagoda.