Xiayu Temple

Xiayu Temple

Xiayu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

　Xiayu Temple is an ancient temple with a history of over 800 years. It is located on a small islet named “Xiayu” in the middle of Dongqian Lake. The islet is surrounded by the lake on its west, south, and east sides, with Erling Mountain to the north, and it neighbors the “Putuo Cave Heaven,” which is known as the “Little Putuo.” Legend has it that Shi Hao, a prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty, built the “Putuo Cave Heaven” on Xiayu Islet in the middle of Dongqian Lake to fulfill his mother’s wish to visit Mount Putuo, and constructed Xiayu Temple next to the “Little Putuo” for her to chant sutras.

In front of Xiayu Temple is a stone-paved path running from east to west. On the southern side of the path stand a stone turtle and a stone rabbit, while on the northern side are two stone horses—all built in 2002. Walking along the stone path leads you to the main gate of the temple. The plaque above the gate is inscribed with four large characters: “Xiayu Chan Temple” (Xiayu Zen Temple). Above the gate is a couplet that reads: “The light of Dongqian Lake, the moon and stars shimmer around the sacred land; the green peaks of Putuo Mountain, with pines and willows, shelter the Zen heaven.” Upon entering through the main gate and looking back, you’ll see another couplet written on the gate: “Autumn winds sweep the steps, with willows and pines embracing Xiayu across ten miles; spring rains shower golden treasures, as clouds and waters surround Putuo in countless layers.” Inside Xiayu Temple, there are several sizable structures including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Yuantong Treasure Hall, the Sangharama Hall, the Western Boat, and side chambers. The Yuantong Treasure Hall is grand in scale, with upturned eaves. At the center of the hall stands a vivid statue of the “Thousand-Armed Guanyin” facing south. In front of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin is a statue of the Maitreya Buddha, flanked by two young attendants: “Good Fortune” to the east and “Prosperity” to the west. Along the east and west walls are 32 paintings of Guanyin, while many Buddha statues are lined along the northern wall. This hall attracts many worshippers. To the north of the Yuantong Treasure Hall is the “Hall of Heavenly Kings,” with side chambers on the east and west sides. Passing through the eastern side chamber, you’ll see a large boat called the “Western Boat,” one of only two remaining in China. It was built in the Gengchen year, is made of reinforced concrete, and runs from east to west. The northern side of the boat’s body is inscribed with three large characters: “Western Boat.” On the second-floor deck stands a Buddha statue facing west. To the north of the boat are three adjacent bridges: the central one is the Sky Bridge, with carvings of “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl” on the central plank. To the west of the Sky Bridge is the “Cowherd and Weaver Girl Bridge,” and to the east is the “Ferry All Beings Bridge.” When weather permits, the mist on Xiayu Island appears to be locked in place, creating the scenic view known as “Mist Locked Over Xiayu.”

Xiayu Temple was first built during the Southern Song Dynasty. It was restored in the 19th year of the Hongwu era (1386) and the 20th year of the Yongle era (1422) of the Ming Dynasty, and rebuilt in the 8th year of the Xuande era (1433), but was later abandoned during the Qing Dynasty. The “Putuo Cave Heaven” was rediscovered in 1976 and became a historical site. In March 1989, it came under the management of bhikkhunis, who reconstructed the temple halls. The old Xiayu Temple had been abandoned, and the current temple was rebuilt in 1993. Currently, Xiayu Temple has over 10 bhikkhunis and receives a large number of worshippers, with annual visitors reaching 200,000.