Changshu Xingfu Temple

Changshu Xingfu Temple

Changshu Xingfu Temple is a cultural heritage site protected by Jiangsu Province.

Xingfu Temple is located at the foot of Yushan Mountain in the northern suburbs. During the Southern Qi Dynasty, Ni Deguang, a local resident and Prefect of Chenzhou, donated his residence to establish the temple, which was initially named Daci Temple. In the third year of the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty (537 AD), it was renamed Xingfu Temple. In the ninth year of the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (868 AD), Emperor Yizong bestowed the plaque “Poshan Xingfu Temple.” After the Tang poet Chang Jian wrote the poem “Inscription on the Rear Meditation Courtyard of Poshan Temple,” the temple’s fame grew even more, and it was celebrated in numerous poems by literati throughout the dynasties. The temple has been through cycles of prosperity and decline, and was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Starting in 1980, especially after being designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in 1983, Xingfu Temple was fully restored and has become the largest and most renowned temple and tourist attraction in Changshu.

“At dawn I enter the ancient temple; the first sun shines through tall woods. A winding path leads to secluded nooks; deep in the meditation hall flowers and trees abound. Mountain light delights the birds’ hearts; pool reflections empty all worldly thoughts. All sounds are hushed here — only the temple bell and chime are heard.” This five-character regulated verse titled “Inscription on the Rear Meditation Courtyard of Poshan Temple” was written by the Tang poet Chang Jian. Poshan Temple is none other than Changshu’s Xingfu Temple. In the Tang poet’s writing, it was already referred to as an “ancient temple,” showing just how long its history goes back.

According to local historical records, during the Southern Qi Dynasty of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period when Buddhism flourished, Ni Deguang, Prefect of Chenzhou, donated his residence to establish the temple, initially named “Daci Temple.” During the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty, when expanding the temple foundation, a stone was unearthed. After clearing away the dirt, it was discovered that the patterns on the stone resembled the character “兴” (prosperity) when viewed from the left and “福” (blessing) when viewed from the right. Thus, this “Xingfu Stone” was preserved, and the temple’s name was changed to “Xingfu Temple.” Chang Jian called it “Poshan Temple”: according to ancient texts, it is said that during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, a white dragon appeared on Yushan Mountain. The dragon transformed into an old man with a white beard and often came to Xingfu Temple to listen to eminent monks preach. When asked where he came from, the old man replied: “I am not human, I am a dragon.” Asked if he could show his true form, he answered: “Yes, but do not be afraid.” The old man then revealed his true form — indeed, a white dragon with bared fangs and claws. The monk was frightened and quickly recited a spell, summoning the god Jieti, who transformed into a black dragon and fought the white dragon. The white dragon was defeated and fled into the mountain, causing the mountainside in front of the temple to rupture, hence the name “Poshan” (Broken Mountain). The temple thus came to be known as Poshan Temple. The ruptured mountainside in front of the temple formed a stream, called “Poshan Stream,” and because it was related to the dragon, it was also called “Dragon Subduing Ancient Stream.” From this, we can see that the renaming of Xingfu Temple to Poshan Temple likely occurred after the Tang Zhenguan era.

During the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian promoted Buddhism, but during the Huichang era, Emperor Wuzong Li Yan disliked Buddhism and issued an edict to abolish temples nationwide, causing great damage to Poshan Temple. When Emperor Xuanzong ascended the throne, Buddhism was revived. In the third year of the Xiantong era (862 AD), Emperor Yizong of Tang specially bestowed a large bell upon Poshan Temple. In the ninth year of Xiantong (868 AD), he also granted the plaque “Xingfu Temple,” thus restoring its original name, which has been used ever since.

Since Chang Jian wrote his poem, Xingfu Temple gained widespread fame, attracting a continuous stream of visitors, including many scholars, poets, monks, and literati who composed poems or wrote essays in its honor. Examples include Jiao Ran, Wu Rong, and Pi Rixiu of the Tang Dynasty; Zhong Shu, Li Guang, Ju Jian, Mo Chou, Gao Zhu, and Zhen Shanmin of the Song Dynasty; Zhou Cai and Zhang Zhu of the Yuan Dynasty; Wu Na, Wei Chong, and Huang Chunyao of the Ming Dynasty; and Qian Qianyi, Wu Weiye, Chen Hu, Mao Jin, Shao Ling, Qian Zeng, Qian Lücan, Wang Yi, Wang Yingkui, Shao Qixiong, Shao Qiran, Sun Yuangxiang, Weng Xincun, Weng Tonghe, and others of the Qing Dynasty. Among those who left inscriptions or calligraphy for the temple were Weng Tonghe, Kang Youwei, Lu Yifei, Sha Menghai, Tian Huan, Zhu Jianmang, Sha Manweng, Zhao Puchu, Chen Congzhou, and Xie Zhiliu.

Xingfu Temple has been home to many eminent monks and masters throughout the ages. Tang Huaishu and Chang Da endured the persecution of Buddhism under Emperor Wuzong, when temples were demolished, pagodas destroyed, and monks driven away. Yet their faith and dedication to Buddhism never wavered. When Buddhism was revived, they donned their robes again and worked tirelessly to restore Xingfu Temple. Yan from the Five Dynasties, after becoming a monk, strictly adhered to precepts, practiced diligently, and always chose the good. He became known for the virtuous deed of removing an arrow from a tiger’s wound and persuading hunters not to kill. Song Wuen had profound Buddhist roots, mastered scriptures, expounded on Tiantai teachings, and established a religious institute at Xingfu Temple to teach and promote Buddhism throughout his life. These four are known as the “Four Eminent Monks of Xingfu Temple,” and their stupas remain preserved to this day, forever revered by monks and laypeople alike. Beyond the Four Eminent Monks, there were others such as Zhihong, Ge’an, Xilu, Wuzhuo, Dongwen, Daoyuan, Xuejian, Huizong, Yuexia, Yingci, Chisong, and more, who were renowned for their knowledge of vinaya, Zen, Tiantai teachings, or Huayan doctrines. Their lectures gained wide fame, and Xingfu Temple thus rose to the ranks of famous temples.

Scenic Area Address: Xingfu Temple Road, Yushan North Road, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 102, 120, 7, 8, or 9 within Changshu City and get off at Xingfu Station.

Address: Southwest end of Silu Street, Changshu City, Suzhou

Type: Historical Site / Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0512-52850687

Ticket Information:

Door Price: 10.0 RMB

Yushan Subdistrict: Yushan Subdistrict in Changshu City covers an area of 62.7 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 207,000, including 137,000 registered residents. Yushan Subdistrict is positioned as the core area of all-for-one tourism integrating mountains, water, and city.

The Jiangsu Provincial Government (Document No. Su Zheng Fu [2017] No. 103) and the Suzhou Municipal Government (Document No. Su Fu Fu [2017] No. 62) have successively issued approvals regarding the adjustment of the administrative divisions of Yushan Town, Changshu City.

… Detailed information about Yushan Subdistrict ++

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units