Jiangyin Yong'an Chan Temple

Jiangyin Yong'an Chan Temple

Jiangyin Yong'an Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yong'an Chan Temple is situated in the northern part of Xiagang Town, on the western outskirts of Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province. It is 5 kilometers from the Jiangyin Yangtze River Bridge. To the south lies Wuxi, to the west is Changzhou, and to the north is the Yangtze River. With a long history, it is recorded in the Jiangyin City Annals as one of the three earliest temples in Jiangyin. Originally built in the second year of the Taikang era during the Western Jin Dynasty, it was named Yong'an Temple. In the thirteenth year of the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1477) in April and the nineteenth year of the Wanli era (1591) in April, two restorations were carried out on the damaged halls. From the eighteenth to the twenty-second year of the Wanli era (1590–1594), a comprehensive renovation of Yong'an Temple was conducted. It is said that before the temple’s reconstruction, the region suffered from natural disasters, and the people lived in hardship. On December 10th of the reconstruction year, the temple was completed, and a rare celestial phenomenon of the sun and moon shining together appeared in the sky. On the fifth and tenth days of the first lunar month of the following year, at the hour of Si, the same phenomenon occurred again, seen as an auspicious sign. From then on, the local people were able to live in peace and prosperity.

Yong'an Temple underwent its second major renovation in the cyclical year Bingyin of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1866 AD). The temple features unique architecture, with intricately arranged structures, carved beams, and painted rafters, along with dynamic dragon and phoenix motifs, all showcasing the exquisite artistry of ancient culture. It has long been a place yearned for by people of all generations and attracts many devout worshippers praying for longevity and bountiful harvests. In the later years of the Republic of China, the temple was dismantled to build a school, leaving only three kitchen rooms that were used as the residence of Monk Dexuan. In 1993, the Jiangyin Municipal People's Government approved the reconstruction of Yong'an Chan Temple, which received strong support from all sectors of society.

From 1995 to the present, with the care and support of government departments, Mr. Li Liangbao, Chairman of the New Yangtze River Group, and people from all walks of life, and under the leadership of Abbot Changrong and his team, Yong'an Temple has invested a total of 15 million yuan. This funding has enabled the construction of the Mahavira Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Manjushri Hall, Samantabhadra Hall, Scripture Depository, Buddhist Chanting Hall, East and West Wing Rooms of the Dharma Hall, and the Mountain Gate Hall, among other projects.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Wuxing Road, Jiangyin City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

Transit Routes: Take bus routes 37 or 37 Interval within Jiangyin City and get off at the Yong'an Chan Temple stop.