Zhi Zhe Pagoda Temple

Zhi Zhe Pagoda Temple

Zhi Zhe Pagoda Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhi Zhe Pagoda Temple (Tatou Temple), also known as Zhenjue Temple and commonly called Tatou Temple, is located on Jindi Ridge (Folong Mountain) north of the county town. It is the early practice site of Master Zhi Zhe (538–597), the founder of China's Tiantai School of Buddhism. Originally built in the 17th year of the Sui Dynasty’s Kaihuang era (597), the current structures were reconstructed during the Qing Dynasty.

The temple houses a stone pagoda — the Relic Stupa of Master Zhi Zhe. The pagoda stands 7 meters tall, featuring elegant and refined carvings. The first level has a niche on the front facade housing a lifelike statue of Master Zhi Zhe. Each level is adorned with railings, beams, columns, and brackets, and all components of the pagoda are decorated with intricate reliefs. According to the Complete Chronicles of Tiantai Mountain, Master Zhi Zhe was buried here after his passing.

As the pagoda enshrines the true relics of Master Zhi Zhe, religious figures from Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries who visit the "ancestral temple" at Tiantai Mountain’s Guoqing Temple to pay homage all make a pilgrimage here.

Within the temple grounds stands the Stele of Master Zhi Zhe’s Meditation Dojo, erected in the 6th year of the Tang Dynasty’s Yuanhe era (811). It was composed by Liang Su, a Hanlin academician, and inscribed by Xu Fang, the prefect of Taizhou. Also known as the Tang Stele, the inscription details the life of Master Zhi Zhe and outlines the biographies of the seven generations of patriarchs of the Tiantai School.

To the left of the pagoda temple along an ancient path lie the tombs of three eminent Tiantai masters: Zhang’an, Jingxi, and Youxi. Nearby are cliff inscriptions such as “Samantabhadra Realm,” “Source of Teachings,” and “Buddha Ridge.” About one li east of Zhi Zhe Pagoda Temple is the “Site Where Master Zhi Zhe Preached,” funded and inscribed by Master Haideng. It is said that Master Zhi Zhe once gave sermons here.

Admission: 2 RMB

Admission included

Take a bus bound for Shiqiao or Datong from the North Bus Station and get off along the way.