Dashizhonglin

Dashizhonglin

Dashizhonglin is located about 1 kilometer southeast of Zhujiang Town in Luhe District, adjacent to the Chu River, with convenient transportation and beautiful surroundings. Originally named Dashian, it was first built in the 14th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1888), boasting a history of over 100 years. It was rebuilt in 1999.

Legend has it that the founder of Dashian was a monk surnamed Xu. One day, while passing through this area, he encountered a huge python, about 10 meters long. Instead of attacking him, the snake nodded its head as if greeting him and seemed to want to say something. After that, every time he passed by, the python would emerge from the water and nod at him. One day, Monk Xu made a vow facing the python: “If this truly is a propitious land, I will build a temple here.” The python appeared to understand and nodded repeatedly. Thus, Monk Xu resolved to raise funds to construct a temple on the site, naming it “Dashian.”

In the 14th year of the Guangxu reign (1888), the front hall of Dashian was completed. Some notable locals in Luhe presented a large plaque, and the temple was subsequently renamed “Dashizhonglin” after the plaque. At that time, Dashizhonglin consisted of a front and rear hall. The front hall enshrined Maitreya Buddha and Skanda, while the rear hall housed three large Buddha statues. There were over 20 rooms and more than 20 acres of temple fields. Surrounded by water on three sides and connected by a major road to the county town, Dashizhonglin enjoyed convenient access and attracted many worshippers.

After 1949, another temple in Luhe County was repurposed, and some of its Buddha statues were relocated to Dashizhonglin, leading to a period of prosperity. Even the guest hall, side rooms, and dining hall were converted into shrine rooms. However, due to years of neglect and human factors, Dashizhonglin ceased to exist during the Cultural Revolution.

In 1999, at the request of some devotees and with the approval of local authorities, Dashizhonglin was finally rebuilt. The reconstructed site covers an area of 15 acres, featuring over 10 newly built halls and side rooms. The presiding monk is Master Guangyang. It is believed that in the near future, through the joint efforts of all monks and the active participation of devotees, Dashizhonglin will thrive and become a highlight of religious and tourism activities in the Luhe area.

Transportation Guide Address: Longchi Road, Zhujiang Town, Luhe District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Transit Routes: Within Nanjing, take bus lines 617, 618, 621, 622, 623, 624, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 634, Han-Liu Line, Liu-Nan Line, Yu-Liu Line, or Zhong-Liu Line, and get off at the Traffic Driving School stop. Walk to Longchi Road to reach the site.