Zhenjiang Jinshan Temple

Zhenjiang Jinshan Temple

Zhenjiang Jinshan Temple is a cultural heritage conservation unit of Jiangsu Province.

The temple gate of Jinshan Temple faces west and is built against the mountain. It features closely arranged halls and connected pavilions, including the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Miaogaotai Platform, the Lengqiaotai Platform, and the Cishouta Pagoda—the symbol of Jinshan.

The "Four Treasures" beneath the Cishouta Pagoda, consisting of the Zhou Tripod, the Jinshan Map, the Bronze Drum, and the Jade Belt, are hailed as the temple’s most treasured relics.

The mountain is covered with magnificent golden buildings, obscuring its original appearance, hence the saying that "the temple wraps around the mountain." The world-famous legend of "The White Snake Flooding Jinshan Temple" also originates from here. Many people first came to know about Jinshan and Zhenjiang through the story of the "Flooded Jinshan."

Mahavira Hall

This is an uniquely styled temple building—majestic and solemn in presence, with delicate coloring that remains tasteful. The window frames are installed on the column posts instead of the traditional eave-pillar structure. On the front and rear walls of the hall, six sandalwood round windows are inset, featuring vivid carvings of landscapes and figures that tell stories of historical personalities related to Jinshan Temple. Notably, the four-sided curved eaves of the hall have fifty-six arhats seated atop them, overlooking the visiting worshippers and tourists, giving the hall its distinctive character and making the whole structure truly exceptional.

Lengqiaotai Platform

Also known as the Sutra Platform or Scripture Tower. Located halfway up the mountain, opening the windows reveals the vast blue sky and flowing river right before your eyes, with dancing tree shadows and ancient trees towering above. The winding pavilions create a maze-like atmosphere. Legend has it that in his later years, Su Dongpo once wrote the Lankavatara Sutra here at the request of his old friend Fo Yin. "Lengqia" is a Sanskrit word meaning "that which cannot be dwelled upon," and some say it refers to an unreachable and unclimbable mountain in the ocean.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Cultural Heritage Conservation Units of Jiangsu Province