Jiangyin Junshan Temple

Jiangyin Junshan Temple

Jiangyin Junshan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The predecessor of Junshan Temple was Jiangyin Qianming Guangfu Chan Temple. Historical records indicate that the temple originally consisted of two complexes. One was built during the Qiánzhēn era (927–928) of the Tang Dynasty and was named Chóngshèng. In the Tàipíng Xīngguó era (976–983) of the Song Dynasty, it was granted the name Qianming. The other was constructed during the Zhìhé era (1054–1055) of the Northern Song Dynasty, named Huázàng, as a subsidiary of Qianming. During the Zhìpíng era (1064–1067), it was bestowed the name Shòushèng. In the Shàoxīng era (1131–1162) of the Southern Song Dynasty, it was renamed Guǎngfú. In the ninth year of the Qiándào era (1173), the two were merged into one temple. The temple boasted majestic halls and spacious architecture, ranking as the foremost among all temples in the region. The Sēnglìngsī (the equivalent of today’s Buddhist associations) was housed there. For thousands of years, it experienced periods of prosperity and decline, and was ultimately destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion. The leading temple of its time thus fell into ruin. The original site of Qianming Guangfu Chan Temple was located in what is now Minyun Lane in the city, Zhongshan Park, and Chengjiang Fudi area, which have since become bustling urban districts. Nevertheless, the site still retains ancient relics such as a thousand-year-old clay pagoda, ancient four-eye wells, and the Heart Sutra stone inscription, all of which are well preserved. In the early 1990s, to meet the needs of religious activities for devotees, the Jiangyin Municipal People’s Government specially allocated 50 acres of land at Junshan, relocating and reconstructing Qianming Guangfu Chan Temple (referred to as Junshan Temple).

Junshan is located at the northwestern edge of Jiangyin’s urban area, backed by the Yangtze River and standing 72.5 meters above sea level, covering an area of 404,000 square meters. Formerly known as Kànjiāng Shān (Overlooking River Mountain), it was later named after Lord Chunshen. Historical records describe it as “a hill rising from the flatlands, cradling the great river, with all the peaks of the county encircling it. To the north it overlooks Yangzhou, to the south it faces Gusu, to the east it gazes at Haiyu, and to the west it spans Jingjiang, making it a grand scenic highlight and a dominant beauty among surrounding peaks.” Building a temple on this mountain takes full advantage of its beautiful landscape, strategic location, auspicious aura, and ethereal charm, offering unique geographical advantages.

The reconstruction of Junshan Temple aimed to revive the glory of the ancient temple and create new splendor, with the goal of establishing it as “a renowned temple in southern Jiangsu, a scenic landmark of the port city, and a famous tourist attraction.” The design centered on the ridge of the southern slope of Junshan (slightly southwest), developing five terraced levels. Following Buddhist architectural conventions, structures were arranged from bottom to top along the central axis: the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, Bell and Drum Towers, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Scripture Depository. At the mountaintop stands the Bodhi Pagoda, flanked by the Patriarch Hall, Arhat Hall, Scripture Hall, and Meditation Hall. The layered layout creates a magnificent ensemble. Due to the vast scale, the project was planned as a whole but implemented in phases.

In 1993, challenging terrain modification work began, with the Mahavira Hall as the flagship project marking the first phase of construction. The foundation of the Mahavira Hall was laid on February 6, 1996, its beams raised in October 1996, and construction completed in 1997. During this period, other major structures such as the platform in front of the main hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Mountain Gate, and the Patriarch Hall were also successively completed. By then, Junshan Temple had taken initial shape, showcasing its majestic presence and gaining the capacity to host large-scale religious events and accommodate domestic and international tourist groups.

Today, approaching Junshan Temple along the wide urban thoroughfare of Junshan Road and ascending the steps through the Mountain Gate, visitors encounter halls aligned along the central axis, all designed in the Ming and Qing architectural styles—sturdy and dignified, with upturned eaves and yellow glazed tiles that give the buildings a resplendent and glistening appearance. The plaques reading “Junshan Temple” and “Heavenly King Hall” at the gate were inscribed by Venerable Master Sōngchún, featuring dignified and powerful calligraphy. The 22-meter-tall Mahavira Hall, with a floor area of 925 square meters, majestically stands tall. The plaque reading “Mahavira Hall” beneath its double-eaved flying rafters is the artwork of the renowned calligrapher Liu Bingsen. Inside the hall, three large Buddha statues—Sakyamuni, Amitabha, and Bhaisajyaguru—are enshrined, with the central Sakyamuni statue standing 6.8 meters high in its pure form, exuding solemnity and compassion. On the eastern and western sides are painted statues of the Twenty-Four Devas. At the back of the hall stands a white marble statue of Guanyin on the Sea Island. The outer walls of the Mahavira Hall feature two large relief carvings: on the eastern side is a scene of Sakyamuni preaching the Dharma, and on the western side is a depiction of the Ten Directions Buddhas—an awe-inspiring spectacle.