Golden Lake Grand Buddha Temple

Golden Lake Grand Buddha Temple

The Golden Lake Grand Buddha Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Grand Buddha Temple is located at the northern end of North Old Street in Golden Lake, surrounded by the picturesque Huai River inlet to the east and north, adjacent to the bustling Jianshe Road commercial street to the south, and backed by the county government building to the west. It is a place rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Historical records recount that during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, a massive flood occurred, and a wooden statue of the Buddha drifted downstream from upstream, eventually coming to rest in a sheltered harbor on the banks of the Sanhe River at the eastern side of the current temple site. At that time, local devotees temporarily enshrined the large Buddha in the harbor for worship. Soon after, followers from all directions generously contributed funds, and with the support of ten thousand benefactors, a temple and halls were constructed to welcome the Buddha statue, which was then enshrined and revered as the Grand Buddha Hall. Later, it is said that monks expanded the Grand Buddha Hall and renamed it the Grand Buddha Temple. Historically, the Grand Buddha Temple covered nearly 100 acres, boasting an immensely grand scale. With morning bells and evening drums, it was home to numerous monks and widely renowned far and wide.

In the vicinity of the Grand Buddha Temple stand eighteen ancient locust trees. Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south of the Yangtze River in search of his birth parents, he passed through this area. Enlightened by the words of the eminent monks of the Grand Buddha Temple, he decided to return to the imperial palace and never again spoke of searching for his family. Deeply moved by the monks’ guidance, Emperor Qianlong personally planted an ancient locust tree in the western courtyard of the Grand Buddha Temple before departing. In gratitude for the emperor’s grace, the monks of the Grand Buddha Temple then planted seventeen more locust trees, symbolizing the Eighteen Arhats subduing river demons to protect the region and ensure peace. Since then, the Grand Buddha Temple has enjoyed widespread fame.

Situated in the lower reaches of the Huai River, Jinhu County is truly a “flood corridor.” The most tragic disaster in history — the “Yellow River’s capture of the Huai River” — caused the most severe damage to the county town. Each time, eight or nine out of ten houses were destroyed, leaving people displaced, yet the Grand Buddha Temple remained standing firmly. Unfortunately, during the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Japanese forces occupied Licheng, the temple was destroyed, and the monks scattered.

Over the years, devotees repeatedly petitioned for the reconstruction of the Grand Buddha Temple. In 2009, the county Party committee and county government, aiming to enhance urban development, promote cultural tourism, and elevate the image of Jinhu, decided to rebuild the Grand Buddha Temple on its original site. The design of the Grand Buddha Temple was undertaken by Professor Zhang Shiqing, an expert in ancient architecture from Southeast University, and the Suzhou Lijing Architectural Landscape Design Research Institute. The architectural style is Ming-Qing dynasty city gate-inspired, featuring an all-wooden structure, black matte glazed tiles, and Jiangnan-style garden landscaping. Covering an area of 29.3 acres, the total construction area is approximately 24,000 square meters. Major structures include the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Scripture Depository, monastic quarters, lay Buddhists' chanting hall, and six side halls to the north and south. Among these, the Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Mountain Gate are entirely built of wood, with all timber imported from abroad. The Grand Buddha Temple project commenced construction in March 2010, was completed in 2013, and officially opened to the public in July. The rebuilt Grand Buddha Temple plays a positive role in enhancing Jinhu’s overall urban functionality, enriching its tourism and cultural resources, better meeting the religious and cultural needs of the public, and promoting the great development and prosperity of Jinhu’s culture. It has become one of the county’s key tourist attractions.