Shuangfeng Temple in Taicang

Shuangfeng Temple in Taicang

Shuangfeng Temple in Taicang is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shuangfeng Temple is located on the east side of National Highway 204 in Shuangfeng Town, Taicang City. The temple was first built in the sixth year of the Xianning era of the Jin Dynasty (331 AD) by the eminent monk Zhi Dun from Henan, who gathered support to establish it. It was initially named Shuangfeng Temple. During the Xiangfu era of the Song Dynasty, it was renamed 0 Temple. It is said that the name of Shuangfeng Town originated from Shuangfeng Temple. The original Shuangfeng Temple covered an area of 42 mu and had a main mountain gate, a second gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, a bell and drum tower, and the Mahavira Hall. On the east side were the Yuantong Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Yan Shou Hall, and the Chan Hall; on the west side were the Scripture Depository, Arhat Hall, Shuiyue Pavilion, a lotus pond, a zigzag bridge, and a pavilion in the lake center. Shuangfeng Temple is a renowned ancient temple in southern Jiangsu, and local folklore claims it once had 1,048 rooms. For over 1,600 years, the temple was repeatedly built and destroyed. By the early years of the Republic of China, only a few structures remained. In 1928 (the 17th year of the Republic), the Taicang County Education Bureau used the remaining buildings to open the Taicang County Rural Normal School. After the school closed in 1934, an elementary school was established. In 1945, to expand Shuangfeng Elementary School, the buildings were dismantled and moved to the elementary school site. By the time of the liberation in 1949, the area had become a ruin.

In the spring of 2002, various sectors of society and Shanghai Hongfu Enterprise Development Co., Ltd. jointly initiated the reconstruction of Shuangfeng Temple, which was approved by the higher authorities. The rebuilt Shuangfeng Temple embodies the grandeur of a famous temple in southern Jiangsu. Its architectural layout draws on the original appearance of Shuangfeng Temple while incorporating the traditional design of Buddhist temples, fully reflecting the rigorous structure and classic charm of Buddhist architecture. It also includes extensive green spaces to create a tranquil and elegant leisure environment. The first phase of construction took three years. The resplendent main hall and the elegant wing rooms with apricot-colored walls and dark tiles stand together near the Yan Tie Tang by the eastern edge of Dongshi Sha. In front of the temple stands an imposing four-pillar stone memorial archway flanked by intricately carved dragon and phoenix pillars. East of the archway are the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall. The Hall of Heavenly Kings features a unique design. The Mahavira Hall is situated on a raised platform, with seven bays in width and six bays in depth, adorned with painted beams and carved rafters, appearing grand and majestic. Looking up at the hall evokes a sense of reverence. To the right of the main hall are the chanting hall, the Pure Land Hall, the Patriarchs’ Hall, and the Merit Hall; to the left are the guest hall, the Longevity Hall, and the abbot’s office. The eastern part of the temple area serves as the living quarters, including a comprehensive building, dining hall, and restaurant.

The reconstructed Shuangfeng Temple restores the former glory of this thousand-year-old sacred site. It is also one of the few Buddhist temples in the Taicang area, serving as an ideal place for worship and a great destination for leisure and sightseeing.

Transportation Guide

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

Public Transport: Take bus No. 111 within Taicang City to reach the temple.

Self-Drive: Via Shanghai-Yixing Highway — National Highway 204, east side of Shuangfeng Town area; or via the Shu-Kun-Taai Expressway, exit at Shuangfeng — head south on National Highway 204 to the east side of Shuangfeng Town area.