Jiangyin Lijing Chan Temple

Jiangyin Lijing Chan Temple

Jiangyin Lijing Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Lijing Chan Temple is situated at the northern foot of Dingshan Mountain in the eastern part of Jiangyin City, echoing the "Red Pagoda Nunnery" at the mountain peak from afar. The temple was first built during the Qiandao era of the Song Dynasty. It was destroyed in the late Yuan Dynasty, but rebuilt in the first year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Historically part of Baichi Township in Jiangyin, it now belongs to Chaoyang Village, Shanguan Town. An ancient poet once wrote: “Climbing cliffs over steep ridges, following hidden paths into secluded trails, the mountain hall is spacious beyond compare, golden walls shining bright. Ancient springs brew fragrant snow, pine winds veil the clear chimes, worldly worries may all but fade—here one may linger and bathe.” The temple was historically grand in scale, renowned for its eminent monks, flourishing Buddhist activities, and thriving incense offerings.

The temple grounds span hundreds of hectares, with a gate large enough for horseback entry, standing tall and facing north. The Four Heavenly Kings stand guard on either side, their fierce and majestic expressions exuding power. At the front gate sits a statue of the laughing Maitreya Buddha, bare-chested and open-bellied, backed by the Bodhisattva Skanda. In the center stands the "Mahavira Hall," an architectural marvel, where the Buddhas of the Three Ages sit cross-legged on lotus thrones, flanked by the Eighteen Arhats displaying a range of emotions and expressions. The rear hall is built against the mountain, housing a statue of Guanyin on a lotus pedestal, with kind eyes and a gentle expression, holding a willow branch to deliver all beings. Monks reside in the dormitories on both sides; morning bells and evening drums create a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Within the temple lies a "Life Release Pond," its waters rippling with reflections of Dingshan’s rugged peaks, presenting a magnificent scene. Beside the ridge is the "Jade Crab Pool," with crystal-clear water where large crabs sometimes appear—monks prohibit their capture. To the east of the temple is a spring named "Tiger Run," its water sweet and the bubbles resembling "fragrant snow." Nearby lies "Red Pagoda Bay," lush with trees and picturesque, where murmuring springs and enchanting scenery captivate visitors. The courtyard outside the halls is spacious, adorned with exotic flowers and plants in various forms. Notably, to the west of the hall stands a "Touch-Me-Not Tree," over ten feet tall with an arm-thick trunk and lush foliage. Touching its trunk causes the entire tree to tremble with a rustling sound.

The ancient temple complex includes the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Three Saints, the Guanyin Hall, the Arhat Hall, the Life Release Pond, the Guanyin Pavilion, and the Wishing Bell Pavilion.

Transportation Guide

Location: Chaoyang Village, Shanguan Town, Jiangyin City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

Getting There: Take bus routes 201, 206, 20, 222, or 66 within Jiangyin City to the Nanjing High School stop, then transfer to a taxi or minibus to reach Chaoyang Village.