Wuxi Yujing Temple (Nancao'an)

Wuxi Yujing Temple (Nancao'an)

Wuxi Yujing Temple (Nancao'an) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yujing Temple (Nancao'an) is located in Zhenhu Village, Xin'an, which lies at the junction of Shangxian River Wetland and Gonghu Bay Wetland. Nancao'an is the former site of Yujing Chan Monastery and the Temple of King Qian Wusu, now known as Nancao'an. Yujing Chan Monastery and the Temple of King Qian Wusu were built during the Tang and Song dynasties. Legend has it that there was originally a Temple of King Dongping here to commemorate Zhang Xun, who died defending Suiyang alone during the An-Shi Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty. About 100 meters southeast of Nancao'an stands an arched stone bridge called Zhang Bridge, which is related to Zhang Xun in Nancao'an. The ancient bridge was originally named "Ganying Bridge" and was renamed "Zhang Bridge" when it was rebuilt. The southern side of the bridge is inscribed with "Ancient Ganying Bridge," while the northern side reads "Reconstructed Zhang Bridge."

The main hall of Yujing Chan Monastery hangs a plaque inscribed with "Han Zhen Tang" (Hall of True Embrace), while the side hall displays one reading "Zhi Dun Gan Dao." In contrast, the main halls of most other temples typically bear the name "Da Xiong Bao Dian" (Mahavira Hall). From this, it can be inferred that Yujing Chan Monastery was originally a private temple belonging to a wealthy and prominent family.

Yujing Chan Monastery once owned over 100 acres of farmland. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the "Temple of King Dongping" and the "Three Observance Halls" were constructed to its east, and during the Yuan Dynasty's Zhizheng era, the "Temple of King Qian Wusu" was built to its west. The remaining 18 acres were cultivated by the monks themselves. This arrangement continued until after the land reform following the liberation, when the land was collectivized and the monks became commune members.

Having endured over a thousand years of vicissitudes, Yujing Chan Monastery underwent multiple renovations. The last historical reconstruction took place in the fourth year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1799), and the stele erected at that time, once scattered among the people, has now been returned to its rightful place. The original Vajra Hall of Yujing Temple was completely destroyed in a great fire during the Taiping Rebellion, along with the grain harvested from the 18 acres tended by the monks. The remaining buildings also deteriorated over time and had largely collapsed by the time of the liberation, leaving very little intact.

Now, with the support of local communities, the temple is under reconstruction. A large number of scattered original architectural stone components have been collected, including valuable stone drums, stone horses, and lotus pedestals, all in preparation for restoring its historical appearance and reviving this hidden gem. Additionally, Master Renlai has been invited from the ancient Foguo Temple on Mount Wutai, a sacred Buddhist site, to serve as the abbot of Yujing Temple. With incense smoke rising once again and the sounds of bells and drums echoing, the temple has embraced a new spring.

Scenic Area Address: Zhenhu Village, Xin'an, Binhu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus No. 38 within Wuxi City and get off at Hongqi Daily Chemical Machinery Factory Station.