Lingshan Xiangfu Chan Temple

Lingshan Xiangfu Chan Temple

Lingshan Xiangfu Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xiangfu Chan Temple is located in the serene surroundings at the southern foot of Qinlü Peak on Maji Mountain by Taihu Lake in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, with the verse “In ancient times, someone donated a barren hill to establish a temple on the site of Lingshan,” it underwent multiple expansions through the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, eventually taking shape and reaching the state described as “the Udumbara flowers bloom from seeds of the Western Regions, and the Dharma of the stupa spreads the supreme Zen.” During the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (627 AD), Hang Yun, a local from Maji Mountain, rose to the rank of Right General before returning to his hometown and donating the mountain to build the temple. While in Chang’an, General Hang was close friends with the eminent Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang. When Master Xuanzang returned from India with sacred scriptures, he noticed that the terrain at the southern foot of Qinlü Peak closely resembled Vulture Peak in the Western Paradise, so he named it Little Lingshan and instructed his disciple Kuiji to establish Buddhist teachings there, marking the first generation of the Ci'en School.

During the Dazhong Xiangfu era of the Song Dynasty (1009 AD), the temple was renovated and renamed “Xiangfu Chan Monastery.” It was reopened in the fourth year of the Xuanhe era (1124 AD). It was renovated again in the second year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1371 AD). In the tenth year of the Zhengtong era (1447 AD), a set of the Great Treasury of Scriptures was bestowed upon the temple. In the thirtieth year of the Jiajing era (1553 AD), the main hall was renovated. In the fifth year of the Longqing era (1583 AD), the scripture depository was renovated. In the first year of the Wanli era (1574 AD), the pagoda was rebuilt. In the fourth year of the Tianqi era (1626 AD), the Great Compassion Hall was constructed. In the Dingwei year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1669 AD), Su Zijing from Haiyang donated funds for reconstruction, which took nine years. During this time, the monk Hongchu from Lingyan was invited to establish the Linji School’s dharma seat. The temple had many monks and flourished with incense, all under the leadership of eminent monks. It was then known as “Shenjun Temple.” In the Gengshen year of the Xianfeng era (1861 AD), the temple was destroyed in war, leaving no trace of the scriptures. Only the Hall of Heavenly Kings, storage rooms, and the kitchen survived.

In the third year of the Republic of China (1914 AD), the temple was rebuilt and once again called Xiangfu Temple. In the twenty-second year of the Republic of China (1933 AD), Xiangfu Temple was transferred by the local authorities to the Tianning Temple in Changzhou as its branch monastery, where the remains of deceased eminent monks from Tianning Temple were enshrined. In 1938, Japanese forces implemented the “Three Alls Policy” in Mashan, and most of the remaining structures of Xiangfu Temple were destroyed.

As time passed and peace returned, the nation prospered and the people lived in harmony. Under the guidance of the Party’s religious policies, and with the approval of the Wuxi Municipal People’s Government, Xiangfu Chan Temple was restored, giving new life to this thousand-year-old temple. Furthermore, with the approval of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, an eighty-eight-meter-tall bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha—the tallest of its kind in the world today—was erected on Little Lingshan behind the temple, aiming to complement the landscape of the mountains and lake, allowing the ancient temple and the great Buddha to shine together. “The boundless lake reflects the Buddha’s image; the beauty of a thousand peaks graces the monks’ dwellings,” further enhancing the spiritual aura of this blessed realm.

The restoration of Xiangfu Chan Temple and the construction of the Lingshan Grand Buddha embody the teachings of the Buddha and create a grand sight for Wuxi. The overall planned area spans over four hundred acres, with the southern slope as the central axis, laid out across five terraced levels and nine levels of stupas. From bottom to top are arranged a screen wall, mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, bell and drum towers, Mahavira Hall, and the standing statue of the Great Buddha. Built along the mountain, the layout is staggered and well-arranged. On both sides are numerous meditation halls, monks’ quarters, and auxiliary halls, all fully equipped. Winding paths lead to secluded spots, gradually revealing the beauty; each level enhances the magnificence. Other service facilities are built according to the terrain, each in its proper place. The divine landscape blends harmoniously.

On July 30, 1994, Zhao Puchu, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Buddhist Association of China, composed a poem: “Taihu’s thirty-six thousand acres, eightfold virtuous waters surround Lingshan. The Buddha’s hundred blessings in solemn form, boundless light shining upon the world.” He added a note: “The Wuxi Municipal People’s Government, in order to preserve ancient relics, promote culture, and implement religious policies, has reconstructed Xiangfu Temple and erected a grand Buddha statue on Little Lingshan. This verse is composed in tribute.” Zhao Puchu’s poem heralds the reborn Xiangfu Chan Temple, radiating renewed splendor and glory through the fusion of timeless heritage and modern inspiration.

Address: Within the Lingshan Scenic Area, Lingshan Shengjing, Lingshan Road, Binhu District, Wuxi City

Type: Historical Site / Temple

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Phone: 0510-85689010

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Lingshan Scenic Area ticket (210 RMB).