Suqian Zhenru Chan Temple

Suqian Zhenru Chan Temple

Suqian Zhenru Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Suqian Zhenru Chan Temple is an affiliate of Famen Temple in Shaanxi. Originally known as Suqian Shousheng Chan Forest (commonly referred to as the South Grand Temple), it is one of the larger Buddhist temples in northern Jiangsu. The temple complex covers a total area of 78.6 acres, including 45 acres of construction land. In September 2001, the foundation was officially laid for its restoration and reconstruction, and by July 2005, major structures such as the Mountain Gate Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, and Mahavira Hall were largely completed. Thanks to its profound historical and cultural heritage, grand temple architecture, and the extraordinary dedication of the eminent monk Master Jingyi, the temple has been ranked among the renowned temples of northern Jiangsu since its reconstruction.

Shousheng Chan Temple was first built in the fourth year of the Yuandade era (1300 AD) by the monk Shaoqing. In the third year of the Ming Hongwu era (1370 AD), the monk Shanxiang carried out the first major renovation, and in the eighth year of the Tianshun era (1464 AD), the monk Zhizhao conducted another restoration, gradually giving the temple its scale. The temple’s Mountain Gate was spacious; the second courtyard housed the Arhat Hall, surrounded by upturned eaves, with Yuan and Ming dynasty stone inscriptions embedded in the walls and vividly crafted Buddha statues inside; the third courtyard contained the Mahavira Hall, adorned with painted beams and carved rafters; the rear courtyard held the Scripture Depository, roofed with glazed tiles. The overall architecture was majestic. In 1898, the temple was severely damaged by fire but was later rebuilt on the original site. However, due to national turmoil, continuous warfare, and recurring famines, the temple’s influence gradually declined. After the liberation, only 25 temple buildings remained, which were eventually demolished in 1976 due to disrepair, leaving only an ancient ginkgo tree preserved as a “Famous Ancient Tree.” This tree stands 16.2 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 75 centimeters and still thrives in the courtyard of Xiangli Hotel.

After the establishment of Suqian as a prefecture-level city in 1996, the city’s political, economic, and social development advanced rapidly, and the restoration of Shousheng Chan Forest received high attention and strong support from the municipal Party committee and government. On December 6, 2000, the municipal Party committee and government arranged for Wang Yuankui, Vice Chairman of the Municipal CPPCC and Minister of the United Front Work Department, along with a delegation, to visit Famen Temple in Shaanxi. They met with Master Jingyi (now deceased), the then-abbot of Famen Temple and former monk of Shousheng Chan Forest, to discuss the restoration plans.

The reconstruction project of Shousheng Chan Forest was officially approved by the municipal government in June 2001. Upon the suggestion of Master Jingyi, the restored temple would be renamed Zhenru Chan Temple, listed as an affiliate of Famen Temple, with Master Jingyi serving as its first abbot. At that time, despite suffering from a serious illness, Master Jingyi worked tirelessly to raise 2 million yuan in seed funding and, while ill, attended the foundation-laying ceremony of Zhenru Chan Temple on September 25, 2001. The temple was designed and constructed based on the original layout of Shousheng Chan Forest, styled as an imperial monastery in the Ming and Qing architectural traditions. The main buildings feature hip-and-gable roofs, flying eaves, upturned pillars, double-layered eaves with upturned corners, and golden glazed tile roofs. The beams and pillars are decorated with dragon motifs, auspicious clouds, and floral patterns. The entire architectural complex is magnificent, solemn, and richly adorned. The overall plan consists of four courtyards: the first houses the Jade Buddha Hall, the second the Mahavira Hall, the third the Scripture Depository, and the fourth a pagoda and auxiliary temple facilities. Additionally, there is an aquatic architectural section featuring pavilions, winding bridges, rockeries, and a water-based statue of Guanyin. The architectural layout is exquisitely arranged, rigorously structured, dignified yet ancient in style, with an imposing presence. The front section is open and expansive, while the rear is densely packed and interwoven. Flanking the front square are two double-eaved stone pavilions: the eastern one holds the Zhenru Chan Temple Reconstruction Stele, while the western one displays a Yuan dynasty stele commemorating the construction of the Sān Huáng Miào (Three Emperors Temple) in Suqian. The grand Mountain Gate has three bays in width and two in depth. Entering the gate, the ingeniously designed Bell Tower and Drum Tower stand on the east and west sides of the Jade Buddha Hall. The second courtyard’s main structure, the Mahavira Hall, spans seven bays in width and three in depth, encircled by corridors. Its eastern and western side halls are the Guanyin Hall and Dizang Hall, respectively. The third courtyard contains monastic living quarters, with space reserved for the future construction of the Scripture Depository and Pagoda. To the east of the temple’s central axis lies a large Liberation Pond, where clear waters reflect the red walls and yellow tiles, adding to the temple’s grandeur. At the southern end of the pond, a water-based statue of Guanyin and a winding bridge are planned, while at the northern end, a white pagoda stands atop an artificial hill, enshrining the relics of Master Jingyi. (Source: Suqian Municipal People’s Government)

Location

Siyu Road, Sucheng District, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province