Zhenze Ciyun Buddhist Temple

Zhenze Ciyun Buddhist Temple

Zhenze Ciyun Buddhist Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Ciyun Buddhist Temple was first built during the Xianchun era of the Song Dynasty (1265–1274 AD). It was reconstructed during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1436–1449 AD) and was formerly known as Guangji Temple. During the Shun era of the Ming Dynasty (1457–1464 AD), it was bestowed its current name. The temple houses a five-story pagoda, which is said to have been initially built in the 13th year of the Chiwu period of the Three Kingdoms era (250 AD), while the temple and pagoda were rebuilt in the fifth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1577 AD). From the Ming Wanli era through the Qing Kangxi, Qianlong, and Daoguang reigns, the temple complex was expanded multiple times, becoming one of the larger Buddhist temples in Wujiang District (formerly Wujiang City). Over the dynasties, it produced many eminent monks, such as Daoze and Cilin in the Ming Dynasty, and Jingyan, Chaowei, and the monk Tianyi—who vowed to rebuild the Heavenly King Hall even after vowing to cut off his own hand—in the Qing Dynasty. The ancient temple has long attracted literati who left behind numerous poems. The Qing poet Jin Shengtan wrote in his farewell poem: “Zhenze boasts many temples fine, / Ciyun rivals Lion Grove’s design. / Its only wealth: the ancient Buddha’s shrine, / Its dwellers all with hearts divine. / Where now are folks from Han’s last line? / Yet subtle truths still shine. / Though parting comes whene’er we meet, / What place compares with this retreat?”

In the 10th year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1860 AD), the temple was destroyed in war, leaving only the pagoda standing. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924 AD), a devout woman, Madam Xu Bi, donated 8,000 silver dollars to rebuild the main hall with three bays. In the 17th year (1928 AD), the Ciyun Pagoda was also renovated, becoming one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Zhenze”—the “Ciyun Evening Glow.” To the left of the pagoda stands an arched stone bridge commemorating Yu the Great’s flood control efforts, complementing the pagoda to form a unique natural landscape of the water town. Ciyun Temple Pagoda is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province. By the late 1960s, the sacred temple grounds had been encroached upon amid historical upheavals—transformed into factory space—and lost all its original features.

With approval from the People's Government of Wujiang District (City), efforts have been made to restore Ciyun Buddhist Temple, aiming to revive the Buddhist site, promote religious culture, and preserve historic landmarks. Support and contributions from all sectors are warmly welcomed.

Ancient Town of Zhenze

Zhenze Park

Wang Xichan Memorial Hall (including Wang Xichan’s Tomb and Ancestral Shrine)

Shijian Hall

Zhenze Wenchang Pavilion

Jiangsu Agricultural Machinery Museum