Main Hall of the Zhenwu Temple in Yangzhou

Main Hall of the Zhenwu Temple in Yangzhou

Zhenru Temple, also known as Zhenwu Temple, is located in Xiaoji Town and is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province. Originally named Dizang An, it was first established as a Taoist site during the Tang Dynasty, but later fell into disuse. It was rebuilt in the eighth year of the Hongzhi reign during the Ming Dynasty, featuring a front hall, main hall, scripture depository (two stories), all constructed in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. After enduring centuries of change, by 1949, only the main hall remained. From the 1960s to the 1990s, cultural departments of both the provincial and municipal governments carried out several renovations on the temple, restoring the ancient structure to its former glory.

The main hall of Zhenru Temple faces south and is flanked by a stone lantern on each side of the entrance. The hall covers a total area of 139.4 square meters and stands over nine meters high. The front and back ends are adorned with dragon-shaped roof ornaments, while massive brackets support the high upturned roof corners. The interior beams and pillars are made of fine materials. The Zhenru Temple presents a majestic and dignified ancient appearance, with a plaque inscribed with “Mahavira Hall” by Zhao Puchu hanging between its double eaves. Inside the hall, the central statue is that of Sakyamuni Buddha, with Ānanda on the left and Mahākāśyapa on the right, and the Eighteen Arhats enshrined on the east and west sides. The main hall's pillars are hung with couplets composed and inscribed by Master Xincheng: “True wisdom and true practice reveal the Dharma across the three realms and four births; such insight into the Buddha’s teachings earns the reverence of countless sages.” During Buddhist festivals or temple fairs, the temple fills with incense and is crowded with devout worshippers, creating a vibrant folk scene in the water town.

Jiulong Community: Established in September 2002, Jiulong Community is the location of the Xiaoji Town government. It borders Jincheng Road to the east, Yiwu Road to the south, the western ring road of the town to the west, and Jiaqiao Road to the north. The community covers an area of 2.8 square kilometers, with 2,683 households and a population of 9,682, divided into 17 neighborhood groups. … More details about Jiulong Community++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Jiangsu Province