Nanguang Temple in Taicang

Nanguang Temple in Taicang

Nanguang Temple in Taicang is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nanguang Temple is located in Xinfeng Village, southern suburbs of present-day Taicang. It was first built in the second year of the Shaoxing era during the Song Dynasty, boasting a history of over 800 years. It was renovated during the Zhi Zheng period of the Yuan Dynasty and bestowed the name “Nanguang Shouyuan,” and during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, it was officially named “Nanguang Jiaosi.”

According to relevant sources, the ?mshan Garden, known as the “finest garden in the southeast” during the Ming Dynasty, soon fell into disrepair shortly after the death of Wang Shizhen, and most of its building materials were donated to Nanguang Jiaosi for the construction of the Heavenly King Hall. In the 14th year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, Nanguang Jiaosi underwent major renovations. The complex features a mountain gate, a Heavenly King Hall where the statue of Maitreya is enshrined, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings. Behind it lies the Mahavira Hall, along with a stupa for monks' remains.

Approved for reconstruction in 1993, the temple now covers an area of 97 mu, featuring main structures such as the Mountain Gate Hall, Vajra Hall, Guanyin Hall, Dizang Hall, Dharma Hall, and Abbot’s Building.

Transportation Guide

Address: East side of National Highway 204, Nanjiao New Town, Taicang City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

By bus: Take bus no. 121 within Taicang City to reach the site.

By car: Via Huyi Highway — east side of National Highway 204 in Nanjiao Town; or take the Suzhou-Kunshan-Taicang Expressway, exit at Shuangfeng, then head south on National Highway 204 to the east side of Nanjiao Town.