Hengshan Temple in Wuxi

Hengshan Temple in Wuxi

Hengshan Temple in Wuxi is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located by the Changguangxi River in southern Wuxi and at the foot of Xuelang Mountain, there lies an ancient temple known as Hengshan Temple. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and set against the mountain with its face to the water, this temple was originally built during the Chunxi era (1174–1189) of the Song Dynasty. It was reconstructed by the monk Puguang and was then called Jingfu Nunnery. In the 12th year of the Hongwu reign (1379) during the Ming Dynasty, the monk Shouqian built a Guanyin Pavilion behind the main hall, and in the 31st year of the Hongwu reign (1398), the monks Daode and Fahong successively renovated the Buddha hall.

During the Qing Dynasty, Hengshan Temple underwent further construction and renovation. In the Shunzhi era (1644–1661), the monk Xinchih added corridors and rooms. In the Daoguang era, another reconstruction took place, focusing on the mountain gate. In front of the mountain gate lies a north-south thoroughfare parallel to the Changguangxi River, serving as a major land route in southern Wuxi. Beside the road in front of the temple stands a towering ancient tree, beneath which lies a large flat rock where passersby can rest and enjoy the shade. Opposite the mountain gate, along the eastern side of the thoroughfare, there is a large screen wall inscribed with six brick-carved characters: “Namo Amitabha” (Homage to Amitabha Buddha). The white wall with black characters presents a solemn and dignified appearance. On both sides of the mountain gate are a pair of stone camels carved from solid bluestone slabs, gleaming brightly. They complement the red plaque with golden characters reading “Hengshan Temple,” which hangs high above the gate, exuding extraordinary grandeur. This “Hengshan Temple” plaque is the calligraphy work of Gu Gao, the top scholar (Zhuangyuan) of the 1801 Xin You imperial examination under Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty and a native of Wuxi. Legend has it that when Gu Gao wrote this plaque, he was still a scholar selling calligraphy for a living. After writing this plaque, blessed by the bodhisattvas, his literary talent flourished, and he enjoyed great fortune, eventually becoming the top scholar.

During the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese invaders’ “pacification” and “mopping-up” campaigns reduced structures such as the Great Compassion Hall to ashes. During the Cultural Revolution, Hengshan Temple suffered another catastrophe, with the temple complex being completely destroyed and the monks forced to return to secular life as farmers.

In 2004, with approval from the higher-level government religious management authorities, Wuxi Taihu Town initiated the reconstruction of Hengshan Temple. Today, a brand-new Hengshan Temple has taken shape and stands majestically at the foot of Xuelang Mountain, regaining its former glory. The reconstruction project of Hengshan Temple covers an area of over 60 acres, spanning more than 39,800 square meters. The temple complex is grand and magnificent, featuring a memorial archway, a liberation pond, an incense flower bridge, the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Scripture Depository, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Guanyin Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Guest Reception Hall, the Scripture Lecture Hall, and the Chanting Hall.

Scenic Area Address: Bianjiawan, Liangxi West Road, Yuanci Road, Binhu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus No. 68 within Wuxi City and get off at the Hengshan Temple stop.