Wuxi Zhita Temple

Wuxi Zhita Temple

Wuxi Zhita Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhita Temple was originally named "Zhita Lecture Temple." In the second year of the Chunhua era of the Northern Song Dynasty (991), it was granted the name "Chongjiao Chan Monastery." In the 25th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1392), it was renamed back to "Zhita Temple," but people commonly refer to it simply as Zhita Temple. Next to the temple lies a village called Zhita Village. During the Southern Song Dynasty, due to the Ni family holding official positions for generations and constructing extensive residences, the name "Changdashà" replaced the original name of Zhita Village.

According to the *Xianchun Piling Annals*, “Chongjiao Chan Monastery is located thirty *li* east of the county, originally named Zhita.” It is said that the temple was grand in scale, with a total of 5,048 rooms. The *Xijin County Annals* record that after the Sui and Tang dynasties, the temple experienced several cycles of prosperity and decline. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, it had fallen into severe disrepair. In the eighth year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, the Guan Yu Hall was rebuilt. Around the 28th year of the Guangxu era, the abbot of the temple (named Tingshan) raised funds through extensive donations and carried out renovations once again. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924), the Buddha statues were refurbished with substantial investment, bringing Zhita Temple back to its former glory.

On the eve of liberation, only about 50 buildings remained. The main structures included the Heavenly King Hall (also called the Vajra Hall), the Guan Yu Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Great Compassion Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Guanyin Hall, as well as the Wenchang Pavilion (later converted into a scripture depository, which still exists), and the Tingqiu Pavilion. Additionally, in front of the mountain gate there was the Feihong Bridge, and behind the Vajra Hall was the Xianghua Bridge (both ancient bridges still exist). In front of the temple were Chuanjinggang and the Inner and Outer Jia'gang Rivers. Between the two rivers lay Wutonggang, where over 700 phoenix trees were planted—a feature remarked upon as: “Among the ancient temples of the county, Zhita Temple is renowned for preserving ancient trees that are hundreds of years old.”

Transportation Guide

Attraction Address: Tongyun East Road, Xishan District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transit Options: Take bus routes 100, 502, 802, or 806 within Wuxi City and get off at the Zhita Temple stop.