Tianchi Mountain Jijian Temple

Tianchi Mountain Jijian Temple

Tianchi Mountain Jijian Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Jijian Temple is located in the valley of Tianchi Mountain, with a very elegant architectural environment. Among the three stone chambers built during the Yuan Dynasty, one is situated inside the temple and is called "Xitian Temple." The eastern stone chamber outside the temple gate is named "Tushita Palace," while the symmetrical western chamber is also known as "Paradise of Ultimate Joy." According to historical documents and inscriptions, these three stone structures were built between 1357 and 1363.

The architectural design of the stone halls and chambers of Jijian Temple not only retains the style of traditional beam-framed construction but also exhibits distinct Yuan Dynasty features. The method used for the "0-chamber" is extremely rare, making it the only surviving example of Yuan Dynasty stone architecture imitating wooden structures in China, and it holds a significant place in the history of Chinese architecture. Jijian Temple primarily features stone halls and cliffside carvings. The layout of the stone halls, chambers, carvings, and pathways does not follow the typical symmetrical arrangement of traditional temples, instead offering a rather free-form design. The carvings inside the stone chambers were carved directly from the mountain cliffs, and their style can be seen as influenced by cave temples since the Northern Wei Dynasty. At the same time, they stand as successful examples of ancient artisans' skillful "adapting to the site and materials" in stone carving. The caisson ceilings constructed inside the stone halls appear in grouped formations, with rich layers and splendid colors. Their decorations and compositions reveal a strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism. The carvings inside the chambers feature bold lines and an imposing presence, serving as valuable physical artifacts for the study of Yuan Dynasty sculpture art history. In ancient China, stone constructions were mostly towers and bridges, and complete stone halls mimicking wooden structures are rarely known today, with only this one remaining in Jiangsu Province. Therefore, these stone chambers and the Buddha niche carvings hold immense historical and cultural significance.

The six large characters “天池山寂鉴寺” (Tianchi Mountain Jijian Temple) were inscribed by Li Genyuan, teacher of Zhu De and former acting Premier of the Republic of China. The four characters “宛若桃源” (Like a Peach Blossom Spring) beside the temple were penned by Professor Guo Songmei of Soochow University. Even more captivating, however, are the three stone pillars erected within the temple, donated by the father of Rong Yiren, former Vice President of China.

In the early years of the Republic of China, Rong Desheng, a prominent businessman and flour tycoon from Wuxi, sought to have a child. He visited the sacred Eastern Pure Land mountain, Lingyan Mountain, to pray. The abbot told him that if he wished for a son, he must go to Tianchi Mountain. Following this guidance, Mr. Rong went to Jijian Temple. The temple’s abbot performed religious rites for him and registered his name for blessings. Mr. Rong promised that if he were to have a son, he would definitely return to Tianchi Mountain to fulfill his vow—creating golden statues, renovating the temple, and giving each household in the Tianchi Mountain area a silver dollar.

In May 1916, after Rong Desheng had Rong Yiren and raised him to adulthood, he brought Rong Yiren back to the mountain as promised to fulfill his vow. Over the years, he transported large quantities of stone and timber to prepare for building the Mahavira Hall. Unfortunately, the construction was forced to halt in 1937 due to the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War. To this day, the three stone pillars symbolizing Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity can still be seen standing in the temple. Nowadays, every year, throngs of worshippers flock here to pray to Guanyin for a child. It has become the most important religious activity at Tianchi Mountain Jijian Temple.