Zhoushi Wan'an Temple

Zhoushi Wan'an Temple

Zhoushi Wan'an Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Originally named Wan'an Hall and commonly known as Dutian Temple, Wan'an Temple is located at the southern end of the Shitan Sanqianwan Stone Bridge, along the vital lakeside road and built on both sides of the river. Research indicates that Wan'an Hall was constructed during the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty by its founder Chen Hu, primarily to conceal anti-Qing resistance activities. As a result, the deities enshrined inside were unique—specifically chosen from those regarded by Taoism as “Water Officials,” such as Luo Binwang, making it a one-of-a-kind site in China for over 300 years.

On December 12 of the first year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty (January 30, 1863), tens of thousands of troops from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's King Mu, Tan Shaoguang, stormed Zhoushi from Changshu Zhitan. Sanqianwan was a necessary route for their march, and Wan'an Hall was burned down. Shortly afterward, due to Taoist rituals for rain, an altar was set up at the original site of Wan'an Hall for ceremonies, reviving its incense offerings. Later, through donations and fundraising, Wan'an Hall was rebuilt and renamed “Daitian Xunshou Dutang Temple.”

The structure featured tiled roofs, including a mountain gate, corridor rooms, a courtyard, and a main hall, with Luo Binwang enshrined as the Dutian Lord. Inside the mountain gate stood a temple stele documenting the evolution from “hall” to “temple,” with the stele’s erection date likely around the sixth year of the Tongzhi reign (1867). Outside the mountain gate, a well was dug with bluestone railings and a bamboo bucket for travelers to rest and drink. Additionally, the temple fair day was set annually on the 15th day of the third lunar month. In 1950, the temple was destroyed.

In 1994, with approval from the Kunshan Municipal Bureau of Religious Affairs, the temple was rebuilt at its original site in Sanqianwan and renamed Wan'an Temple. In 1998, after application and approval, it was designated as a religious activity venue. On September 1, 2003, Wan'an Temple came under the management of the Kunshan Buddhist Association. On December 13, 2003, the consecration ceremony for the Heavenly King Hall was held. In 2006, the three western wing rooms, including the Three Saints Hall, were constructed. Today’s Wan'an Temple features lush greenery and serene scenery, attracting a continuous stream of worshippers.

Transportation Guide

Address: Wan'an Road, Zhoushi Town, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Transit: Take bus No. 104 within Kunshan City and get off at Xietang Village Station.