Baicheng Chongning Ancient Temple

Baicheng Chongning Ancient Temple

Baicheng Chongning Ancient Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

On the eastern shore of Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan City and to the north of Baicheng Town, there stands a time-honored ancient temple with a simple style and profound history. Nestled quietly on this picturesque land, it has endured the passage of time and changing circumstances, yet its timeless elegance and classical charm remain unaltered.

Chongning Temple was built in the eighth year of the Tianjian era during the Liang Dynasty (509 AD) by imperial decree of Emperor Wu of Liang, boasting a history of nearly 1,500 years. By the end of the Yuan Dynasty (1368 AD), a local named Ding Daojian donated his residence to expand the temple. During the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1436–1449 AD), when the renowned monk Shì Cúndǐng from Suzhou and Hangzhou — known for his strict precepts, dedication to Zen studies, kindness in teaching others, and moral self-discipline — served as the abbot, further expansions were made.

Historical records indicate that the Heavenly King Hall once housed a stone statue of the Maitreya Buddha, with the main hall standing majestically behind it across the garden, flanked by a massive bell. The side halls were home to five hundred arhat statues, making the entire temple grand and imposing. Originally a nunnery, it was renamed to its current title in the eighth year of the Tianshun era (1464 AD) after Shì Cúndǐng petitioned the imperial court. From then on, its incense offerings flourished. In the thirteenth year of the Hongzhi era (1500 AD) during the Ming Dynasty and the third year of the Yongzheng era (1725 AD) during the Qing Dynasty, devotees renovated the temple twice, and for a time, Chongning Temple became a serene and scenic destination. However, it later endured social turmoil, and during the Anti-Japanese War, most of the ancient temple was destroyed by Japanese forces.

In the spring of 2002, the temple was relocated and rebuilt. Under the leadership of Master Qiufeng, three years of fundraising and construction ensued, and now the newly restored Chongning Temple, with its Ming Dynasty architectural style, proudly stands by Yangcheng Lake. The reborn ancient temple surpasses its former glory in both scenery and layout. The plaque inscribed with “Chongning Ancient Temple” was personally written by the current president of the Buddhist Association of China, Venerable Yicheng.

The Temple Gate Bridge in front of the temple, along with the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Scripture Depository — all adorned with flying eaves and bracket sets — line up along the central axis of the temple complex. To the east are the monks’ quarters with gracefully curved rafters and arcaded corridors, as well as modern yet elegantly designed study rooms for monks. To the west is the Jade Buddha Pavilion, supported by four precious Brazilian rosewood pillars, featuring a solemn and magnificent caisson ceiling, and housing a nearly two-meter-tall jade Buddha from Myanmar. On the western side of the temple, by the lakeside, stands the Buddha Light Villa — serene, refined, and spacious — available for visitors to stay in. Additionally, to the north of Baicheng Old Street, the seven-story Chongning Pagoda was constructed, exuding a majestic presence. With the temple’s renewed charm, stunning scenery, the blending of water and sky, and the sounds of Buddhist chants and celestial music, it not only embodies the serene and timeless aura of a sacred place but also offers travelers a space for leisure and spiritual refreshment.

Shen Zhou, a renowned painter of the Wu School from the Ming Dynasty, wrote in his poem “Spending the Night at Chongning Temple”: “The solemn Buddha seat borrows green from moss; the monks’ windows are adorned with red-tinted leaves. Lamplight meets the hazy wine beneath the moon at midnight; oars lean on the layered waves of the vast lake.” This verse captures the tranquil and elegant ambiance of Chongning Ancient Temple in the deep silence of night. Even today, reflecting on these words evokes admiration and a wistful longing.

Nowadays, when Buddhist devotees and travelers enter the ancient temple, they look up to see the inscription on the lakeside memorial archway: “If you wish to plant pure karma, do not seek elsewhere; if you desire to return to the right path, enter through this gate.” Hearing these serene Buddhist words can instantly inspire a desire to engage in spiritual practice. Upon leaving the temple, visitors will also notice the couplet on the archway: “The mortal realm is finite, the Lotus Throne awaits; the sea of suffering is boundless, but turning back leads to the shore.” Hearing these golden words once more upon departure leaves travelers with lingering thoughts and deep reflections as they return home with fond memories.

Scenic Area Address: North of Baicheng Town, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 118 or Tourist Line 6 within Kunshan City and get off at the Chongning Temple stop.

Baicheng Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Kunshan City. It was Baicheng Township in 1949, changed to a commune in 1958, reverted to township in 1983, and became a town in 1986. Located in the northwest of the city, it is 11.3 kilometers from the urban area. Covering an area of 53.7 square kilometers with a population of 23,000, it is accessible by road to the city. Surrounded by Yangcheng Lake, Baicheng Lake, Manli Lake, Kuilei Lake, and Zhicheng Lake, the town is crisscrossed by waterways such as the Zhangjiagang River, Yanglintang River, Qingshui River, Xinkai River, and Maosha River. It administers the following villages: Beitan, Yangbei, Donghe, Sanbang, Gouxiang, Heping, Huangni, Zhicheng, Zhibang, Yangmu, Wangjin, Songjia, Lianfeng, Qinfeng, Mao... More detailed information about Baicheng Town ++