Suzhou Dinghui Temple

Suzhou Dinghui Temple

Suzhou Dinghui Temple is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Dinghui Temple is located in Dinghui Temple Lane, Fenghuang Street, Suzhou. The temple was first built in the second year of the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (861). Over the dynasties, it experienced periods of prosperity and decline, but was continually supported by royal officials and devout believers who helped keep its incense burning. Among its notable stories is the poetic and spiritual exchange between the renowned poet Su Dongpo and Monk ? as well as Monk Shouqin, which became a celebrated tale. Numerous historical relics remain on the site, making it a key municipal cultural relic protection unit in Suzhou.

It was not until 1958 that the site was occupied by the Suzhou No. 7 Plastic Factory. In 1997, during the renovation of Dinghui Temple Lane, Mr. Shi Jianhua, then head of the Canglang Real Estate Group, initiated efforts to protect the historical site and restore the ancient Dinghui Temple. Through extensive efforts and support from leaders and relevant departments at various levels, government approval was eventually granted. After research by the Religious Affairs Bureau and Buddhist Association, it was decided to reopen the temple as a branch of Xiyuan Jiedang Monastery.

As a result, Xiyuan Jiedang Monastery invested over seven million yuan to renovate and repurpose the factory buildings into Dinghui Temple. The surrounding walls were rebuilt, the main hall was restored, and the Mountain Gate Hall and Heavenly King Hall were reconstructed. The former factory spaces were successively transformed into the Jade Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall, Meditation Hall, Dining Hall, Reception Hall, monks’ quarters, and other facilities, creating a complete monastic compound spanning over 4,000 square meters. Statues of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were enshrined in the halls, giving the temple a solemn and renewed appearance. On the 21st day of the 12th lunar month in the year of Ji Mao (1999), a consecration ceremony was held, attended by eminent monks and devotees from all directions. This sacred site offers practitioners the opportunity to plant the seeds of enlightenment and form connections leading to liberation. With the support of the Three Jewels, divine guardians, and the unity of the monastic and lay communities, may the Dharma shine eternally and bring liberation to all beings, fulfilling the compassionate aspirations entrusted by the Buddha.

Address: Inside Dinghui Temple Lane, Fenghuang Street, Suzhou

Transportation: Take bus routes 40, 50, 55, 89, 200, 202, 204, 309, 501, 811, or Tourist Route 2 in Suzhou and get off at Shuangta Station.