Lingyan Mountain Temple

Lingyan Mountain Temple

Lingyan Mountain Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou City.

Lingyan Mountain Temple is one of China’s renowned Buddhist Pure Land sect sites. It is also a famous historical scenic spot and tourist destination known both domestically and internationally. Located by Taihu Lake and adjacent to Mudu Town, it lies 15 kilometers southwest of Suzhou City at an elevation of 220 meters. From its heights, the panoramic views of lake and mountain are spectacular. The mountain got its name Lingyan because in the past there were many rocks resembling the shape of lingzhi mushrooms; to the south, steep cliffs stand like a city wall, hence it is also called Shicheng Mountain (Stone City Mountain); and because the mountain’s ridge curves to the right like an elephant looking back, it is also known as Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain).

Lingyan Mountain was originally the site of the Gusu Palace of King Fuchai of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period and the place where the Kingdom of Yue presented Xi Shi. Existing relics from that era include: the King’s Well, Dressing Table, Flower-Playing Pond, Moon-Playing Pond, Xiang Corridor, Zither Platform, Xi Shi Cave, Zhiji Well, Longevity Pavilion, and Square Pavilion. During their southern tours, Emperors Kangxi of the Qing Shengzu and Qianlong of the Qing Gaozong built a temporary palace on the mountain summit, which was burned down in the warfare of the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign in the Qing Dynasty.

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Minister Lu Wan once lived on this mountain. After hearing Buddhist teachings, he converted his residence into a temple, thus marking the beginning of the Lingyan Buddhist site. During the Tianjian era of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties, the monk Zhiji from the Western Regions came to the temple to establish its foundation and bestowed upon it the plaque “Zhiji Bodhisattva Manifestation Site.” In the early Song Dynasty, it was renamed Xiufeng Chan Monastery. In the Shaoxing era, it was bestowed the plaque “Xianqin Chongbao Temple.” In the early Hongwu years of the Ming Dynasty, it was given the plaque “Baoguo Yongzuo Chan Temple.” In the tenth year of the Ming Yongle era, it was renovated, but destroyed in the Hongzhi era. In the sixth year of the Qing Shunzhi era, monks rebuilt the temple. In the fourteenth year of the Kangxi reign, Provincial Governor Mu Tianyan reconstructed the main hall, which was later destroyed in the warfare of the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign. In the second year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Monk Zhen Da took over as abbot, and by the fifteenth year of the Republic of China, it was turned into a Pure Land practice site open to all, named Chongbao Temple. Later, under Master Yinguang, the original name Lingyan Mountain Temple was restored.

Since its founding, Lingyan Mountain Temple has produced many eminent monks. The abbots from the Jin and Tang dynasties are no longer traceable, but from the Song Dynasty onward, figures such as Yuanzhao, Cishou, and Fohai of the Song, Shihu of the Yuan, and Hongchu of the Qing were all renowned monks. By the fifteenth year of the Republic of China, the 13th Patriarch of the Pure Land Sect, Master Yinguang, resided at Lingyan, inheriting the traditions of Donglin Temple on Mount Lu and vigorously promoting the Pure Land teachings. After the liberation, the temple strictly followed the Party and government's policy on freedom of religious belief and received special protection. Monks engaged diligently in both spiritual practice and agricultural work. The reputation of Lingyan as a Pure Land site spread both in China and abroad.

Lingyan Mountain Temple boasts many scenic spots and historical sites. The Ming Dynasty poet Wang Ao once inscribed the words “Wuzhong Scenic Spot” on a stone tablet at the mountain summit.

The temple architecture is majestic, featuring the Multitreasure Buddha Pagoda from the Song Dynasty, as well as the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Bell Tower, Chanting Hall, Scripture Depository, Reception Hall, and Monks’ Quarters. The mountain paths are winding and interesting, passing by Jilu Pavilion, Yingxiao Pavilion, Luohong Pavilion, and Stone Pagoda. There are peculiar rocks on the mountain, such as the Lingzhi Stone, Drunken Monk Stone, Stone Drum Stone, Steamed Bun Stone, Kasaya Stone, Mouse Stone, Mountain-Horse Stone, and Stone Turtle. At the summit is the Zither Platform, and midway up the mountain is the Guanyin Cave, commonly known as Xi Shi Cave. To the east of the temple stands the Lingyan Pagoda, also called the Multitreasure Buddha Pagoda or Yongzuo Pagoda. Initially built in the second year of the Liang Tianjian era (503 AD), it was reconstructed in the seventeenth year of the Southern Song Shaoxing era (1147 AD) and has undergone several renovations after the liberation. The pagoda is 33.4 meters tall, with seven levels and eight sides, black tiles and yellow walls, simple and solemn, forming a harmonious whole with the entire temple complex and becoming the symbol of Lingyan Mountain.

Throughout history, many notable figures have climbed Lingyan Mountain, including Emperor Jianwen of the Liang Dynasty, the great Tang poets Wei Yingwu, Bai Juyi, Liu Yuxi, and Li Shangyin, the Song Dynasty’s Fan Zhongyan and Monk Yuanzhao, the Ming Dynasty’s Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin, and Gao Qi, the Qing emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, the historian Bi Yuan, as well as modern figures such as Tian Han and Deng Tuo. Their poems and writings have been passed down through the ages.

Here are five poems recorded below:

Poem by Emperor Jianwen of Liang on Climbing the Zither Platform: Treading the overgrown steps of the ancient path, I recall the music of the zither once played. The voice and visage vanish with spring’s retreat, Yet the noble name endures a thousand years. Weak branches grow from aged trees, Old stones are stained by fresh-flowing streams. Since time immemorial, joy has come in turns, But the fleeting river flows on, never to return.

Poem by Tang Bai Juyi on Visiting Lingyan Temple: The bright white moon rises above the green forest, Guests have gone and monks have returned in the deep of night. Abstaining from meat, I can drink wine with ease, With music silenced, only the zither remains. No vulgar sights offend my eyes, Only the sound of springs cleanses my heart. I love best the view from the dawn pavilion to the east— Taihu Lake’s misty waters lie deep and green.

Poem by Song Dynasty Monk Yuanzhao in Praise of Life on Lingyan Mountain: Unrestrained atop the spiritual peak, Dustless, even summer feels cool. Pine dreams spread across emerald ridges, Temples and pagodas tower into the clouds. The sacred cave’s gate stands high and low, Mountain rooms wind along twisting paths. Such hidden serenity lies within, Why seek it only in painted views?

Poem by Ming Wen Zhengming on Viewing Taihu Lake from the Summit of Lingyan: Lingyan Mountain faces Xukou directly, Gazing southwest at Taihu Lake as the sun sets. Two islets float like snails about to emerge, A lone sail and birds vanish together. What tales of old can one idly discuss? No sages appear—let me call out once. Beware not to approach the waves too closely, For the most wondrous views lie mostly in blur.

Poem by Qing Emperor Kangxi on Visiting Lingyan: Fine rain scatters the spring mist, I rein in my horse and leisurely climb the verdant peak. Fragrant waters flow clear as a mirror, Zither Platform’s stone array stands firm as fists. All peaks lie beyond the green vines, Countless homes nestle before the imperial palanquin. They say this was the flowered garden of Wu Palace, Now only empty vegetarian feasts remain.

Mudu Town: Mudu Town, located by Taihu Lake at the foot of Lingyan and Tianping Mountains, is a garden-style ancient town in China with a history of over 2,500 years and profound Wu culture heritage, boasting beautiful famous mountain scenery. Covering an area of 62.28 square kilometers, it has a local population of 86,000 and over 200,000 migrants. Historically a key town in Wuzhong, it is known as the hometown of stone carving, calligraphy, and gardens, and enjoys the reputation of being the “Number One Town in Wuzhong.” It has been honored as a “National Model for Creating Civilized Small Towns,” “National Advanced Town in Creating Civilized Towns,” “China’s Historical and Cultural Famous Town,” and “National Health Town.” … More detailed information about Mudu Town ++

Mudu Ancient Town

Mudu Old Pine Garden (Former Residence of Cai Shaoyu)

Mudu Second Place Scholar’s Mansion (Former Residence of Feng Guifen)

Mudu Bright Moon Temple

Mudu Yan Family Garden

Hongyin Mountain Villa

Mudu Shantang Ancient Street

Mudu Lingyan Peony Garden