Wuxi Zhifu Temple

Wuxi Zhifu Temple

Wuxi Zhifu Temple is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province.

Zhifu Chan Temple is situated by Xuesiniang Bridge in Dangkou, Xishan District, southeastern Wuxi City, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. The temple was originally constructed in 1869. During its heyday, it spanned over 10 acres with a construction area of more than 200 square meters. It was once a well-known Buddhist sanctuary in Wuxi, often referred to as “Zhifu An.” However, with the passage of time, during the Cultural Revolution, the land of Zhifu An was appropriated, leaving only a dilapidated small courtyard—consisting of three asbestos-tiled main halls, a theater stage, and a caisson ceiling.

With the reform and opening-up and the implementation of religious policies, Zhifu Chan Temple was rebuilt. The newly constructed Zhifu Temple covers an area of over 20 acres, with a total floor space of more than 2,000 square meters. Its architectural style blends ancient and modern elements, as well as northern and southern features. It possesses the grandeur typical of northern architecture, along with the delicate elegance of southern designs—such as upturned eaves, flying rafters, and pavilion-style structures.

The main hall of Zhifu Chan is a single-story building with a flush gable roof, facing south and measuring nine point five one meters in width across three bays and seven point eight seven meters in depth. Though renovated multiple times, most of its wooden and stone structural components—such as beams, pillars, purlins, rafters, and bracket sets—are original to the time of its initial construction. The four outer pillars and two inner golden pillars are made of granite. The main beams and moon beams are made of thick, solid timber with exquisitely carved patterns. The carvings on the doors and windows are also finely detailed and aesthetically pleasing. The two granite outer pillars in the central bay are inscribed with a couplet: “Manifesting awe-inspiring power to dispel all plagues; standing majestic through the ages.” The two granite inner golden pillars bear another couplet: “Sweeping away bandits and purging strife, bringing peace to the regions of rivers and Huai; cleansing the heart and sacrificing the flesh, embodying both loyalty and filial piety.”

The theater stage faces north and stands opposite the main hall, with a “convex”-shaped floor plan and a two-story structure. The lower level serves as a passageway, while the upper level functions as the front and backstage areas of the stage. The stage front protrudes, measuring four point two three meters in width and three point three four meters in depth, topped with an octagonal caisson ceiling featuring intricately layered bracket sets and “phoenix-head ang” decorations, displaying remarkable refinement and splendor. Stone pillars on either side of the stage opening are engraved with a couplet: “Red pillars and carved rafter ends indeed show old forms reborn anew; from ancient times to now, don’t say all on stage is mere illusion.” The roof is designed in a hip-and-gable style, with upturned eaves that are classic and graceful. The backstage area spans five bays, 18.3 meters in width, and 3.53 meters in depth, with a flush gable roof.

Transportation Guide

Location: Xuesiniang Bridge, Qingdang Village, Ehu Town, Xishan District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transit options: Take bus routes 712, 721, or others within Wuxi City, get off at Huaxia Park Station, then walk southward along the road to reach the temple.