Shengxiang Temple in Taicang

Shengxiang Temple in Taicang

Shengxiang Temple in Taicang is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shengxiang Temple, also known as Shengxiang Jiao Temple, is an ancient temple with a long history and the starting point of Buddhism's introduction to Taicang. The temple is located in the northwest of Taicang, in Luhe Town, about forty kilometers from downtown Taicang. Luhe was originally called Luhe, also referred to as Luhe—an ancient temple with a long history and the starting point of Buddhism's introduction to Taicang. One thousand seven hundred years ago, there were already villages and markets here, making it one of the oldest market towns in Taicang. According to research: during the Later Han Dynasty, the Lu family from Wu Commandery in southern China was a powerful and influential clan. During the Sun Wu period, their clan branches were spread along the river. The “Luhe Pu” waterway, managed by the Lu family, connected to Liuchi Gou in the south and led to the Yangtze River in the north. Luhe Pu was also called Luhe Port. Hence the area got its name, Luhe. It wasn't until the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period that it became known as “Luhe.”

The original site of Shengxiang Temple was located at the northeast corner of what is now the Chemical Fiber Textile Factory. Historical records indicate that during the Qing Dynasty’s Jiaqing era, the “Jiangsu Direct-Controlled Taicang Prefecture Annals,” compiled by Wang Chang, documented that during the Three Kingdoms period, Xu Zhen, a Puyi (a high-ranking military official) of the Wu Kingdom, “... (text garbled) ... in the year ... (dates unclear), ... established ... (details unclear), ... in the year ... (dates unclear), ... was appointed ... (details unclear), ... and later the region prospered. In the eighth year of the Zhihe era (1063 AD), Zhu Gong rebuilt the temple, and Monk Chongshu wrote a record of the event. Later, it fell into disrepair. In the early Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (around 1369 AD), Monk Yongkang renovated it, incorporating eight monasteries and nunneries: one monastery named Chongshou, and seven nunneries: Futian, Chongfu, He... (names garbled), Suqiao, Pu... (names garbled), and Za... (names garbled). At that time, the site spanned over a hundred acres, reaching up to ... (details unclear). In the ... (year unclear), ... (details unclear), ... the monk ... (name unclear) ... took charge, but due to political reasons, most of the religious structures were destroyed, leaving only a small part of the foundation and some scattered remnants. Later, a memorial stele titled 'Shengxiang Temple Stele' was erected. There was also a shrine, but due to the local official’s inability to protect it, most of the religious artifacts were damaged. Recently, some stone inscriptions and relics have been unearthed. Around ... (year unclear), during the ... (dynasty unclear), ... (details unclear), ... a wealthy family ... (details unclear), ... had a residence here, ... which gradually became overgrown, ... and a few decades ago, it was turned into farmland. ...”

In recent years, with the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, the economic development of Luhe Town has accelerated rapidly. There are more and more foreign-funded enterprises, and the frequency of foreign business visits has increased. An economic and technological development zone has already taken shape. To support the sustainable development of the economy; to further improve the investment environment; to meet the needs of people from all walks of life; and to reflect the “freedom of religious belief” policy stipulated in our country’s constitution; to provide a place of activity for believers, it was decided to rebuild “Shengxiang Temple.”

The new site of Shengxiang Temple is located six hundred meters south of the original location, in a spacious and tranquil area. Currently, it covers an area of forty acres, with potential for further expansion. It is also situated in the southeastern section of the planned Luhe Park area.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Yuying Road, Taicang City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Transit Directions: Take bus no. 205 within Taicang City and get off at Luhe Station. Walk south along Yuying Road to reach the temple.