Xuanzang Temple

Xuanzang Temple

Xuanzang Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xuanzang Temple, located on Jiuhua Mountain in Nanjing, borders Xuanwu Lake to the north, Taiping Gate to the east, and the Terrace Wall to the west, facing Jiming Temple nearby across the Terrace Wall. Jiuhua Mountain, long and narrow in shape with a flat-topped summit resembling an upturned boat, was historically known as Fuzhou Mountain. It was later renamed Zhenwu Mountain (due to its proximity to Zhenwu Lake, now Xuanwu Lake), Longshan, and Xuanwu Mountain, among other names. Also, due to the presence of Little Jiuhua Temple at the southern foot of the mountain, it came to be known as Little Jiuhua Mountain, and is now commonly referred to as Jiuhua Mountain.

In 2001, relevant authorities began rebuilding a temple on Jiuhua Mountain and named it Xuanzang Temple, which is managed by Master Chuanzhen, the supervisory abbot of Qixia Temple. Xuanzang Temple was completed and opened to the public in 2003. Built along the mountainside, the temple is not large in scale but is exquisitely designed. Situated within Jiuhua Mountain Park, it has a layout reminiscent of the shifting scenes of a Suzhou-style garden.

Xuanzang Temple and Jiuhua Mountain Park are integrated into one. The park’s main gate also serves as the temple’s mountain gate. Ascending the steps from the gate, you will see an antique-style structure above, with the words “A Perfect Man Through the Ages” inscribed in cinnabar on the platform. This phrase was Lu Xun scholar Liang Qichao’s tribute to Master Xuanzang. The Hall of Xuanzang is built on this platform. As the front hall of Xuanzang Temple, it also functions as a temporary dharma hall where major temple events are usually held. The hall enshrines the golden statues of Master Xuanzang and his two disciples, Kuiji and Yuance. The statue of Master Xuanzang stands 2.23 meters tall in a seated posture, with a serene expression. Flanking him are the statues of his two eminent disciples, Kuiji and Yuance, both 1.98 meters tall. Above the statues is a plaque inscribed with the characters “Leader of the Dharma Gate,” written in gold on a red background by young calligrapher Wang Zhihua — a title that Master Xuanzang truly deserves. The walls of the hall are adorned with murals depicting the story of Master Xuanzang’s journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures, illustrating the long and arduous nature of his quest. Directly facing the statue of Master Xuanzang is a golden statue of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, also seated, whose facial features and form bear a striking resemblance to those of Master Xuanzang. Some say the statue of Ksitigarbha was modeled after the Master. Indeed, among the various depictions of Ksitigarbha in temples, many share a close likeness to Master Xuanzang.

Scenic Area Address: Jiuhua Mountain Park, No. 9 Jiuhua Mountain, Beijing East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: In Nanjing, take bus routes 2, 11, 11 (air-conditioned), 24, 40, 44, 48 (air-conditioned), 58, 59, 67, 68, 70, 91, 140, 313, 811 (night), 817, etc., and get off at Taipingmen Station. Walk west along Beijing Road to Jiuhua Mountain Road to reach the site.