Suzhou Cuiyan Temple

Suzhou Cuiyan Temple

Huashan has been a Buddhist sacred site since ancient times. Since the Eastern Jin Dynasty when Zhi Dun (314–366) came here to establish the mountain as a spiritual center, many eminent monks and reclusive scholars have sought solitude and transcendence in this area. The mountain is home to Cuiyan Temple, which was first built during the Jin Dynasty. The remaining ruins of the temple site, according to historical records, were constructed around the same time as the Jijing Temple on Tianchi Mountain, boasting a very long history. Since the Yuan Dynasty, many great monks have established practice centers here. In the Yuan Dynasty, there were monks such as Shi Fan; in the Ming Dynasty, there were Lu Ting, Xue Liang, Han Shan, Zhong Fu, Xian Ran, and Chao Song; and in the Qing Dynasty, figures like Tai Ru and Cang Xue preached and expounded the scriptures here, taking turns to lecture on the Avatamsaka Sutra Commentaries twice a year. Dignitaries, poets, and artists all flocked to this place.

Cuiyan Temple serves as a practice center for the Linji school of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. The site includes a pagoda forest belonging to the 31st to 38th generations of lineage holders of the Linji Zhengchong tradition. These stupas are exquisitely and uniquely designed, each with its own solemn beauty, and hold significant artistic, architectural, and cultural value. The surviving stupa complex at Cuiyan Temple on Huashan is relatively intact and representative, making it a rare find in China.

The original structures of Cuiyan Temple were similar to those of today’s Jijing Temple, with stone pillars, stone houses, and stone tripods all quarried from the mountain itself. The main hall was built during the Southern Song Dynasty and was one of the few of its kind with unique architecture. Unfortunately, all were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Today, only a few stone pillars and an ancient well remain, standing desolately as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The Qing Dynasty marked the temple’s most prosperous era. During the Shunzhi reign, the abbot Jian, a renowned monk well-versed in poetry, painting, and Buddhist teachings, gained widespread fame. His disciple Min Ying served as abbot at Baihe Temple and Nanxiang Temple, dedicating himself tirelessly to managing monastic affairs. He became widely known and was even invited to preside over imperial Buddhist ceremonies.

Along the imperial path from Cuiyan Temple to Tianchi Mountain lies a stone stairway resembling a heavenly ladder, known as the “Fifty-Three Steps.” This name derives from the Buddhist tale of Sudhana, who visited fifty-three teachers before attaining enlightenment. In the 28th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1689), the emperor planned to visit Huashan and ascend Lotus Peak. Upon receiving the imperial decree, the Suzhou prefect urgently informed Abbot Xiao Qing of Cuiyan Temple to prepare a direct mountain path. Overnight, a hundred monks carved fifty-three steps out of a single cliff face. When stepped on, the stairs produce a melodious ting-dong sound, creating a major scenic attraction on Huashan. The next day, Emperor Kangxi arrived by sedan chair instead of boat, engaging in poetic exchanges and calligraphy with Abbot Xiao Qing. He was greatly honored and bestowed the name “Cuiyan Temple.” The emperor also granted the title “Gaoyun” to Abbot Xiao Qing and “Xiangyu” to Min Ying. Additionally, Kangxi composed a poem titled “Bestowing Xiangyu upon Min Ying of Huashan,” which includes the lines: “Incense burns before the sacred sovereign, moved by imperial favor expressed in brush and verse. Priceless wisdom fuels devotion, steadfast flame within the heart. ...” The emperor held deep respect for the temple and its monks. Later, he composed the “Record of Bestowing the Name to Huashan Min Ying,” which includes the phrase “a single hall built, echoing the high peak.” Thereafter, Kangxi showed continued favor toward the temple. The surviving steles and inscriptions still bear the inscriptions of Kangxi and other emperors, making them highly valuable historical relics.

Scenic Area Address: Southwest side of Huashan Road, Fengqiao Subdistrict, Huqiu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus 333 (Longchi Special Line) within Suzhou City and get off at Longchi Huashan Scenic Area Stop.