Xianglin Jingyuan on Mount Putuo

Xianglin Jingyuan on Mount Putuo

Xianglin Jingyuan is located in front of Dacheng’an, adjacent to Yueling’an and the walking path leading to Fayu Temple. It was founded during the Qing Dynasty’s Daoguang era by the monk Miaochiao. Later, due to years of neglect, it fell into disrepair but was rebuilt during the Guangxu era by the monk Juefan. In the early years after liberation, monks Dehui and Deming resided here. After the “land reform,” both monks and laypeople lived together, and from 1960 onward, the monks left, the temple was then repurposed as a power plant by locals. In recent years, the Buddhist Association of Mount Putuo has carried out renovations. The reconstructed Xianglin An now features over 30 halls, covering a construction area of more than 600 square meters.

A golden plaque inscribed with “Pure Land Treasure Hall” hangs at the center of the main hall, still gleaming as brightly as ever. The main hall enshrines the “Three Saints of the West,” with Amitabha Buddha in the center, a plaque reading “Fragrant Light and Solemn Majesty” above, Guanyin Bodhisattva on the left, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the right. According to Master Shijing, the head nun of Xianglin An, the *Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva* (or *Bhaisajyaguru’s Sutra*) tells of a past wheel-turning king whose eldest son was Guanyin Bodhisattva, the second son was Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, the third son was Manjushri Bodhisattva, and the eighth son was Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Later, the wheel-turning king attained Buddhahood and became Amitabha Buddha of the Western Pure Land, while Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta became his attendants on his left and right.

Behind the hall stands an ancient stone stele inscribed with “Xianglin Chan Temple.” It is said to have been erected when the temple was first built and has a history of nearly 200 years, making it a cultural relic. Recently, the temple also invited in a sandalwood-carved statue of Master Yinguang, a renowned monastic figure of Mount Putuo in a bygone era, which is enshrined in the guest hall. This has attracted numerous Chinese and international pilgrims and visitors to come and pay homage here.

Address: Mount Putuo, Putuo District, Zhoushan City

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours