Shibi Yonghui Chan Temple

Shibi Yonghui Chan Temple

Shibi Yonghui Chan Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou City.

Jiangsu’s Yonghui Chan Temple, also known as Shibi Temple, gets its name from being backed by a towering hundred-zhang cliff. It currently belongs to the Pure Land sect and is located in Guangfu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The abbots of the temple all come from the Lingyan Mountain Buddhist Academy. It is said that the temple was originally a practice site of the Linji sect, and several graves of Linji masters still exist on the mountain.

The Linji sect is one of the five schools and two sects of Chan Buddhism. It is known for its straightforward and vigorous approach in dealing with those who come to study, often using methods such as striking with a stick or shouting. Hence, it has earned the nickname "Linji General." It is believed that Han Shan was also a Chan monk of the Linji sect. The temple sits atop the mountain, nestled among dense ancient trees. The main hall, “Mahavira Hall,” has a plaque inscribed by Zhao Puchu.

At the back of the temple, the cliff features many cliff inscriptions. Notable ones include poems by Li Genyuan (teacher of Zhu De), Sun Guangting (teacher of Li Genyuan), Chen Kuilong (a late Qing dynasty provincial governor), and Wu Hufan (a renowned Shanghai School painter)—all expressing aspirations, recording travels, or reflecting on the past. Most remarkably, a rare and unusual tree—the stone oak—grows on the cliff. Over 300 years old, its roots twist and curl like a coiled dragon, clinging to the rock face. It is called the “Sleeping Dragon,” though it might just as aptly be named the “Coiled Chimera,” which would better match the name and reality of Pan Chi Mountain.

Location: Inside Nanshan Park, Guangfu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus 652 within Suzhou City and get off at Nanshan Park Station.

Guangfu Town: Located in the western suburbs of Suzhou City, by the shore of Taihu Lake, Guangfu Town is 21.5 kilometers from the city center. The town covers a land area of 62 square kilometers and includes about 160 square kilometers of Taihu waters, with a shoreline of approximately 32 kilometers. It governs 10 villages (communities) and has a permanent population of 63,000.

Known as the “Land of Lakes, Mountains, Caves, and Blessed Scenery,” Guangfu boasts superior ecological resources, beautiful natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Emperor Qianlong visited the area six times during his southern tours. The town is home to over twenty peaks and hills of various sizes, including Dengwei Mountain, Xuemu Mountain, and Xiqi Mountain, as well as lakes such as Dongyan and Xiyuan. Attractions include Xiangxuehai, Situ Temple, … More detailed information about Guangfu Town++