Henan Chan Temple in Zhangjiagang

Zhangjiagang Henan Chan Temple

Henan Chan Temple, also known as Henan Temple, is located in Yangshe Town, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province. Originally built during the Jin and Tang dynasties, it was a small rural temple. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, due to invasions by Japanese pirates, the temple fell into decline with few worshippers and no one to maintain it. In the late Ming Dynasty, a merchant surnamed Zhou from Henan funded its renovation and expansion. By the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, the temple had expanded to over sixty rooms and was known as the "Little Tiantai." The annual temple fair on the 19th day of the second lunar month was especially grand. By the Republican era, several fires had left only ruins, and it was completely demolished during the Cultural Revolution. However, the traditional temple fair (market gathering) held annually on the 19th day of the second lunar month, commemorating Guanyin’s birthday, continues to this day.

Henan Chan Temple was originally built during the Jin and Tang dynasties under the name “Yongning Nunnery.” Having endured many vicissitudes, by the Ming Dynasty, its walls were crumbling, and worship had dwindled. At that time, a merchant surnamed Zhou from Henan passed by Yongning Nunnery and made a vow before the statue of Guanyin to “rebuild the temple and recast the golden statues.” Several years later, Zhou became very wealthy and thus funded the reconstruction. Because Zhou was from Henan, locals began calling it Henan Temple. According to the draft of the Yangshe Fort Chronicles: “Henan Chan Temple is located on the north bank of Henghe River in Liubao. It was built during the Ming period by a merchant surnamed Zhou from Henan, hence the name ‘temple.’ It enshrines the statue of Guanyin. Its spiritual efficacy has long been renowned. From the Kangxi to the Daoguang eras of the Qing Dynasty, through donations collected by the presiding monks and contributions from local residents and devotees, the temple underwent multiple renovations and expansions, eventually having over sixty rooms. Because the temple gate was too close to the river, more donations were raised to acquire a vacant lot on the south bank from the Xu family. The river was dredged and the north bank extended to connect with the main road. As a result, the temple’s popularity grew, attracting worshippers from even 300–400 li away, earning it the title 'Little Tiantai.'” Some Buddha statues were destroyed during the Great Leap Forward, and the entire temple was razed during the Cultural Revolution.

Since its restoration and reconstruction began in 2001, Henan Chan Temple has received strong support from all sectors of society, with over 20 million yuan in self-raised funds invested. Structures such as the memorial archway, mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, release pond, Mahavira Hall, east and west wing rooms, and dining hall have been built.

The Three Ages of Buddha and the Eighteen Arhats in the Mahavira Hall are crafted using advanced gold-gilding techniques and have been fully adorned with genuine gold. On the 180-square-meter island, the fifty-three stages of devotion reflecting the journey of the boy worshipping Guanyin have also been fully gilded and painted, presenting a majestic sight. The four main halls in the east and west wing rooms are uniquely designed, featuring the Four Great Bodhisattvas—Guanyin, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Ksitigarbha—each depicted with a thousand arms holding different ritual implements.

The temple’s construction emphasizes the promotion of Buddhist culture, enhancing its refinement and harmonizing with the urban development of Zhangjiagang. The inscription “Henan Chan Temple” on the memorial archway was penned by Venerable Master Yicheng, President of the Buddhist Association of China. The couplets on the archway and those on the pillars inside the halls were composed and written by renowned Buddhist masters or calligraphers, not only reflecting deep Buddhist philosophy but also offering high artistic value. The famous Buddhist verses are also carved on the platforms of the Eighteen Arhats.

Transportation Guide

Address: Xiaohébà West Road, Zhangjiagang City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Transit: Take bus routes 11, 208 (night), or 21 within Zhangjiagang City, get off at Qingshuwan Station, and walk south to Xiaohébà West Road to reach the site.