Suzhou Lanfeng Temple

Suzhou Lanfeng Temple

Suzhou Lanfeng Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Lanfeng Chan Temple is situated at the foot of Lushan Mountain in Xinmin Village on the western outskirts of Suzhou. Also known as Lanfeng Pagoda Courtyard, it was originally called Jingfu Temple Nunnery. It was first built in the second year of the Dade era during the Yuan Dynasty (1298), the same year as the construction of Zunxiang Temple on the northern (shaded) side of Yangshan Mountain. “The north and south complement each other, shining in mutual glory,” as built by the abbot Dao Hong. Historical records state: During the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era, there was a revered monk named Master Lanfeng who practiced meditation here in seclusion for ten years. Enlightened by the Buddha, he transformed into a divine phoenix and carried the Little Deer Mountain from elsewhere. Since then, prosperity (symbolized by the deer) and peace have blessed the local people. Hence, after his passing, the remains of Master Lanfeng were enshrined in the rear courtyard, where his stupa still stands today, and his portrait is displayed in front of the hall. That is why the nunnery is also called Lanfeng Chan Temple.

According to the Local Chronicles: Lushan Mountain was once a place where the Wu Kingdom raised deer. The King of Wu kept a thousand deer to harvest their antlers for medicinal use in nourishing the body of his favored concubine, Xishi, during which time he became infatuated. A poem reads: “At the foot of the mountain, flowers bloom red as one; beneath them, a thousand deer grow antlers. They offer blossoms daily to the yellow-faced elder, and often wander into the Azure Lotus Palace.” Beneath Lushan Mountain lies a scene of peace and prosperity, an omen of a golden age. The nourishment of a thousand deer antlers created a feng shui treasure land, and since then, the area has become a sacred burial ground for notable figures throughout history.

The temple was rebuilt in the second year of the Yongle era (1404), but fell into disuse again during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty. In the early Qing period, a monk named Jianyue, who trained in martial arts on Pashi Ridge—“Monk Jianyue of Pashi Ridge, skilled in martial feats”—also diligently recited scriptures and studied Buddhist doctrines. This martial yet scholarly monk later became Master Lanfeng. Historical texts note: “Master Lanfeng, a highly accomplished monk from Jingfu Nunnery on Pashi Ridge, now has a stupa and a portrait in the hall…” Note: The “now” mentioned refers to the mid-19th century during the Daoguang era; the stupa and portrait no longer exist today.

Jingfu Temple Nunnery had two wonders: The first wonder is the Immortal’s Path, a place where ancient people attained enlightenment and became immortals. At the entrance of the path lies a giant rock shaped like a drum—the Immortal’s Drumming Stone, which was said to have been moved from Penglai by the legendary immortal Li Dongbin. When struck, the stone sounds like thunder, and those who attain enlightenment use it to ascend to immortality. Further up the mountain is a huge rock called the Heavenly Gate Stone, symbolizing the spot where immortals ascend to heaven. Whenever storms, lightning, and thunder occur, people say: “An immortal is about to ascend to heaven.” The second wonder is the Phoenix Crying Spring. In the mountainous region, water sources are scarce, so Master Lanfeng prayed earnestly for a spring to save the plants and living beings. Moved by his sincerity and enlightened by the Buddha, he dug ten zhang into the earth beside Lushan Mountain and discovered a spring. The water is crystal clear and highly efficacious. Drinking it can cure ailments and ward off disasters. More remarkably, when the cry of a phoenix is heard, the water level rises rapidly to ensure the people’s access to drinking water—hence the name “Phoenix Crying Spring.”

According to Mr. Li Genyuan’s account of “Lanfeng Pagoda Courtyard” at the time: The temple houses three Ming Dynasty steles, all ancient tablets from the Wanli era. These three steles were respectively authored and inscribed by Yuan Zugeng, Yanxia Elder, and Zhang Xianwen of Kunshan. There is also one Qing Dynasty stele, the Shan Zhu Stele from the 33rd year of Qianlong (1768) by Yuan Xianwen of Changzhou County in February. Additionally, there is a “Fei Fu Bell” made in the 47th year of Qianlong (1782), a wooden plaque with “Zhang Jishan’s Title, Zhang Yan’s Couplet” from the mid-autumn of Qianlong Wu Yin (1758), and a couplet plaque from the 8th year of Xianfeng (1858) by Monk Wensheng. To the left of the temple gate, there is also a tombstone erected in the 44th year of Qianlong (1764) by Monk Zhengxinxingzu. From this, it can be seen that the pagoda courtyard of that time preserved cultural relics such as Ming and Qing steles, ancient bells, plaques, and couplet inscriptions.

Historical research confirms that the original Lanfeng Chan Temple was grand in scale, with “over a hundred mu of fields and over a hundred rooms.” The temple structure followed a longitudinal axis layout. Unfortunately, the pagoda courtyard was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. However, devoted followers and worshippers, deeply inspired by the temple’s profound Buddhist power, continued to make pilgrimages despite the severe damage.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, under the care of the Chinese Communist Party’s policy of “freedom of religious belief,” with donations from all walks of life, and led by a local Buddhist practitioner, the ancient temple underwent major renovations. Starting with laying foundations and erecting frameworks, then roofing and flooring, through hard work, the temple halls, kitchens, storage rooms, corridors, and dormitories were completed one by one, clean and orderly. Buddha statues and sutra collections were all properly enshrined.

The current main structures include the “Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and two side halls.” Between the four halls, long corridors connect them, with a courtyard in the middle planted with flowers, grass, and trees, which not only beautify the environment but also purify the air. On the southeast corner in front of the main hall is a newly built service reception building. The first floor is a Dharma goods distribution center, offering sacred items such as Buddhist artifacts and prayer beads to meet the needs of worshippers, tourists, and devotees for worship and prayer. The second floor is a bright and spacious reception room with windows on all sides, featuring simple tables and chairs, elegant potted plants, and complete facilities to cater to the needs of all visitors. To the south of the main hall is a row of monks’ dormitories, all constructed in a hip-and-gable style with brick and wood, using fir wood for all wooden structures and high-quality Jinmen stone for the foundation, reflecting the solemnity and grandeur of Buddhism. Beyond the Mahavira Hall to the southwest corner are the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower, Chanting Hall, and Lay Buddhists’ Building, providing facilities for devotees, monks, and lay practitioners for chanting, meditation, and accommodation. They also serve to pray for the Buddha’s light to shine, the Bodhisattvas’ protection, favorable weather, and peace and prosperity for the nation. Additionally, the temple has a “Kṣitigarbha Palace” for placing ashes and commemorating ancestors, continuing the temple’s tradition of “saving all beings and blessing future generations.” This comprehensive architectural ensemble fully demonstrates the harmonious integration of Wu region religious culture and classical gardens, as well as the revival of the former glory of Lanfeng Pagoda Courtyard.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Xinmin Village, Lushan, Huqiu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transit Routes: Take bus 335 within Suzhou City and get off at Lanfeng Temple Station.