Shuangxing Temple

Shuangxing Temple

Shuangxing Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shuangxing Temple is located in Nianfeng Town, in the southern part of Daxin District. It was built in the fifth year of the Tianqi era during the Ming Dynasty and was named after the two ancient ginkgo trees planted on the temple grounds. In 1676, another ginkgo tree was planted on the former site adjacent to the Chengcheng Huangmiao Temple. Among the three ancient ginkgo trees, the middle one is the thickest, largest, with a trunk circumference of 5.3 meters and a height of 25.2 meters. All three are listed as national third-class protected cultural relics. The three ancient ginkgo trees are all female, bearing many ginkgo nuts in autumn, but their flavors differ: the eastern one has a hard texture, the middle one is glutinous, and the western one is rich and oily. They are now promoted as premium varieties by the Provincial Department of Diversified Operations.

The Shuangxing Temple complex currently serves as a Buddhist activity site in Zhangjiagang, featuring a main hall, side halls, a Buddha hall, and a main gate, all designed in classic traditional style that complements the brilliance of the three ancient ginkgo trees. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, worshippers flock to the temple. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the temple hosts its traditional temple fair, attracting large crowds of worshippers, visitors, and merchants from various regions, creating a lively atmosphere. However, the traditional temple fair’s trade market has now been relocated to the Daxin District.

“Shuangxing Fair, as the Lantern Festival approaches, the temple swarms with people and incense smoke thickens, goods trade bustles noisily, and the public rejoices together.” This is a poem written by Zhu Songfen of the Qing Dynasty about the Shuangxing Temple Fair. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Daxin District holds its traditional temple fair. Within a hundred-mile radius of Shuangxing Temple, thousands of worshippers gather to burn incense and pray, making the event bustling with religious fervor. It is reported that the Shuangxing Temple Fair, a local folk custom, has a history of over 200 years and has become a distinctive feature of the region. While the fame of Shuangxing Temple and its ancient ginkgo trees is widespread, few know about their historical origins. Scattered legends and stories are only quietly passed down among the people.

It is said that the legend of Shuangxing Temple has a history of more than 300 years and has been an oral creation of the people of Daxin for centuries. Deeply rooted in local culture, it has broad popular appeal and strong folk heritage, characterized by regional and ethnic features. Many of the legends feature vivid plots and distinct characters, holding high aesthetic value and precious folk literary significance. The spread of these legends centers around Daxin Town, extending to surrounding towns and even areas like Jiangyin.

In April 2007, when the “Legends of Shuangxing Temple” were included as one of the first batch of intangible cultural heritage representatives of Zhangjiagang City, the related tales of Buddhist and Taoist stories and local figures regained widespread popularity. People have marveled at this unique gem blooming in the garden of Zhangjiagang's folk literature.

Transportation Guide

Attraction Address: Nianfeng Village, Daxin Town, Zhangjiagang City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Getting There: Take bus No. 205 within Zhangjiagang City and get off at the Nianfengqiao Station.

Changfeng Village: Changfeng Village is located at the northeast corner of Daxin Town, bordered by the Yangtze River to the north, with the Riverside Highway running through it. The village was formed by merging the former Changxin, Changqing, and Nianfeng villages. It consists of 34 villager groups, with 1,659 households and a permanent population of 4,956. The village operates under a Party General Branch, which includes four sub-branches: Changqing, Changxin, Nianfeng, and an Enterprise Joint Branch, with a total of 201 Party members. There are currently 45 private enterprises in the village and 2,000 square meters of standardized factory buildings. The goal is to achieve an invoiced sales volume of 232.5 million yuan, tax and profit of 12 million yuan, and available funds of 16.8 million yuan by 2011... More details about Changfeng Village ++