North Pagoda Bao'en Temple in Suzhou

North Pagoda Bao'en Temple in Suzhou

North Pagoda Bao'en Temple in Suzhou is a cultural tourism attraction.

Bao'en Temple, commonly known as North Pagoda Temple, is the oldest Buddhist temple in Suzhou and also one of the most scenic and largest temples within the city. It has a history of over 1,700 years. Originally built during the Chiwu era of the Three Kingdoms period, it is said to have been constructed on a residence donated by Sun Quan’s mother. Initially named Tongxuan Temple, it was renamed Kaiyuan Temple in the early Tang Dynasty and later changed to Bao'en Temple in the late Five Dynasties period.

During the Chiwu era of the Wu Kingdom (247–250 AD), Sun Quan, ruler of the Three Kingdoms’ Wu, built "Tongxuan Temple" in honor of his mother, Lady Wu. In the fourth year of the Zhongdatong era under Emperor Wu of Liang (532 AD), an eleven-story pagoda was erected, exquisitely designed. In 738 AD (the 26th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty), an imperial edict mandated that every prefecture establish a temple named after the current reign title, leading to the temple being renamed Kaiyuan Temple. In 925 AD (the third year of the Tongguang era of the Later Tang), Qian Liu, King of Wuyue, built another Kaiyuan Temple near the Rui Guang Pagoda inside Pan Gate. Between 954–959 AD (the Xiande era of the Later Zhou), Qian Liu rebuilt the temple on the site of the former Kaiyuan Temple. Given that it was originally established by Sun Quan to honor his mother and aligned with the Buddhist principle of repaying the Four Kinds of Kindness (to the Buddha, parents, teachers, and country), the name plaque of Bao'en Temple from Zhixing Mountain was moved here, and the name Bao'en Temple has been used ever since.

On the Pingjiang Map from the Song Dynasty, this largest temple in Suzhou can be clearly seen, covering nearly 140 acres with square walls each 300 meters long. The temple was divided into six courtyards: Manjusri Courtyard, Samantabhadra Courtyard, Fahua Courtyard, Shizhou Courtyard, Shuilu Courtyard, and Pumen Courtyard, making it the second-largest architectural complex in Suzhou at the time.

Over its 1,700-year history, Bao'en Temple has experienced repeated cycles of prosperity and decline, enduring many trials. During the Sui Dynasty's conquest of the Chen Dynasty, the stone sutra walls and Liao Hall within the temple were destroyed. When the Jin army invaded during the Southern Song Dynasty, both halls and pagodas suffered damage. In the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, the pagoda was struck by lightning and caught fire, which then spread to the Reclining Buddha Hall behind it, resulting in the complete destruction of both structures overnight. In the fifth year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the temple was renovated on a larger scale than before. In the 16th year of the Daoguang era, a local gentry member, Pan Meixi, funded a complete renovation. During the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras, the Taiping Rebellion captured Suzhou, and later Li Hongzhang’s troops attacked the city. After these two conflicts, only the pagoda and a few halls remained standing amid the ruins. In 1895 (the 24th year of the Guangxu era), when Master Minxi of the Tiantai School served as abbot, Bao'en Temple was designated as Bao'en Lecture Temple. In 1921 (the 10th year of the Republic of China), with funding from Madam Zhuang, wife of Sheng Xuanhuai, and Li Pucheng, the Mahavira Hall was rebuilt. In 1928, the nanmu wood Guanyin Hall was also restored.

In 1965, the Suzhou Buddhist Association and Lingyan Mountain Temple funded a major restoration of the pagoda. Since the Cultural Revolution, the temple has been open to the public as a garden. In 1994, ownership of Bao'en Temple was returned to the Buddhist community, but Buddhist activities were not yet resumed. Now, with further implementation of religious policies, Master Minxi from Suzhou Baoguo Temple has been invited to oversee the restoration and reopening efforts. Plans are underway to develop Bao'en Temple as a site for lectures and spiritual cultivation, promoting the Buddhist teachings inherited from Master Yinguang by the Honghua Society of Suzhou Baoguo Temple. Various formats will be used to guide the public in collective Buddha-recitation practice and Dharma lectures.

Transportation

Public Transport: Bus routes 游1, 游2, 游4, 1, 313 (formerly 3), 8, 502 (formerly 20), 38, 101, 102, and 103 can take you there.

Admission

Admission: 25 RMB

Location

No. 1918 Renmin Road, Pingjiang District, Suzhou